Sunday 31st August began with a colorful rainbow, but the day ended on a darker note. You might have heard the news about Chennai Marathon and all the hype like being worlds third costliest marathon and all that ... the news that would be heard from here on will be about one young student's death in the event. I have read that he has died out of cardiac arrest and I hope that is the actual reason.
I personally had a horrible experience with the event and now I find it lucky that I could not participate (more on my blog: https://unintelligiblescribblings.blogspot.com/). I have heard from my friends that Chennai has a history of not being best in organizing this event every year. This time there was more hope, because it was organized not by any sports organization but by some private sponsors (Marg).
As it turned out, there was total chaos right from the starting point till the finish:
1) I had an experience where I could not reach even the Starting point
2) My friend who ran the half-marathon, could not get hold of a drop of water as the stations along the route had no water.
3) He said, he could not even spot the finish line ... and was just into a crowd near the Gandhi statue (where the race was said to terminate) and that it, race was over.
I have also read that a near-stampede was just avoided because of some efficient policemen. Given the situation, its pretty lucky that the event took away only one life. If Marg and other organizers had spent at least half the time and money they had spent on banners and title-songs (sounded like a song for some political party gathering), the event could have been much better. They are trying to better other Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi, in number and not quality. For an sporting event that requires utmost care and organizing, Chennai Marathon was a total nuisance. To kill one student and get money for other poor kids is not the way to go.
I have run 2 half-marathons, but both were in UK. Though my spirit is Indian, cannot stop from admiring their organizing abilities. I hate to say this, but a sad fact is - this is India. When will the organizers learn?? Hope the media gives the event an unbiased coverage.
But kudos to the young chap (who lost his life) and his sporting spirit. He has run for a cause and will be remembered forever (Info from net: Santosh, 22-yr old Anna university student). Well done to all other participants as well.
