Usually run as a road race, the marathon is a long-distance running race with an official distance of 42.195 kms. The distance of half marathon is 21.097 kms. Considering the no. of marathons in a year, it is estimated that more than 800 marathons are held throughout the world every year. Even Indians have great inclination towards marathon. A large population of India runs marathon every year. Jaipur, the Pink city organizes several marathons every year.
Even recently, over 1,500 runners ran at marathon organized at the fifth edition of the cultural festival Jaipur By Nite. There were two categories- 10km run (with timing chip) and 5km (without timing chip). The route for the 10 km run was from City Palace to Gandhi Circle on JLN Marg and back while for 5 km, it was from City Palace to SMS Hospital Gate No.6 and back.
It is remarkable to see that even a Jaipur couple decided to exchange wedding garlands at the finishing line of Half Marathon by AU financiers. Couple took this decision as their wedding date was clashing with marathon. Happy couple claimed it to be a delightful experience. Well.. such kind of incidents showcase the Marathon Fever on people.
The inspiration behind this sport is a Greek soldier Pheidippides. He is a character from Greek fable. He is a central figure of the story who said to have run from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a military victory against the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.
One thing to be noted about marathons is that these are usually run for social causes apart from being a sport. Whenever marathons are being organized in Jaipur, celebrities also come to support the cause and make people aware about it.
In Jaipur, not only youth but every age group likes to be part of marathon. From school kids to middle aged persons to physically challenged people, marathons seem to be amazing event to people.
The benefits of running marathon are not only limited to health but it also make people better human beings. Usually, people run for some cause so which make them feel good. “Marathon is an event which helped me to break my barriers,” said many Jaipurites. As people have realized how beneficial these marathons are so they started participating in a great number.
“Unless a person has trained himself for marathon, he cannot run it. Hence, when people get them registered for marathons they start taking training,” said fitness coach Nikhil Sharma.
For the organizers of marathons in Jaipur, marathon is like a carnival that brings Jaipur transcending all diversities. Rajasthan bands, sports clubs, schools, scouts, guides and other community groups to line the route contribute to the success of Jaipur marathons.
