The city woke up earlier than usual on Sunday. The rise was fuelled by the anticipation of fun and thrill the next few hours promised to provide. Thousands of runners from across the city, state and country defied the chill to gather at the Sabarmati riverfront for the third edition of Sabarmati Marathon 2013. Joining them were runners from the international arena.
The Sun was yet to rise and mercury remained low, but the riverfront was crowded with more than 15,000 runners, rubbing hands to keep themselves warm.
There were no bars — of age, gender, religion or nationality. Everyone was waiting just for the flag-off, which was delayed by a few minutes. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi flagged off the marathon followed by half marathon and attractive dream run. While the CM’s delay did make the organisers jittery, it did not dampen the spirits of the participants.
Ahmedabad citizen Ketki Modi, a Dream Run participant, said, “It’s a little cold this time, but it is perfect. Those who have practised for the race must have enjoyed. We did not feel the cold after covering a few hundred metres. I feel proud to be part of it and would like to participate in the future too.”
Like previous years, it was again a close fight between participants from Ethiopia and Kenya. Both African nations known for producing long-distance run athletes, shared the honours equally on Sunday.
Wubishet Girum Zewde of Ethiopia won the men's trophy while Jacquline Kiplimo of Kenya walked away with women's crown.
Compared to last edition's timing, the men’s run took three minutes more. Philomen Rotich had finished the race in 2:11:57 while Wubishet took 2:14:26. "It was an ideal weather for the race. People were supportive throughout the route. It was great run," said Wubishet. The 29-year-old hails from Addis Ababa.
However, Jacquline (2:36:57) surpassed 2011 winner Gadise Fita Megersa’s timing (2:38:46). At the end of the race, both the winners were richer by Rs6 lakh. It was all African show in the men’s section. In women’s section Manjula Patil gave locals something to cheer about as she finished 10th and in the process won Rs25,000.
It may have been a race for fun for Amdavadis but for the Africans it was matter of bread and butter. The marathon did bring smile on the face of Ethiopia’s Gudeta Gemchu Biratu. Showing his prize he said, “I will buy a new car and house with this.” Biratu walked away with Rs4.25 lakh.
Meanwhile, the organisers had their own share of bloopers. Later in the day, they erred while announcing the name of second runners-up in the men’s category. The damage control team swung into action and prevented a major embarrassment. They quickly rectified and rewarded the actual winner. For Gujaratis, NRG Jemini Patel was an inspiration. The New York-based analyst finished fifth in the half marathon women’s section.
