Runners revel in party atmosphere

DJ churning out music, rock artists setting the stage alight with their fusion numbers, food courts, play arenas and stalls selling varieties of clothing, the KPTO resembled an exhibition venue rather the start-finish point of the eighth SBI Bengaluru Midnight Marathon.

Men, women, kids and young corporates came out in thousands, some using it a serious competition and others turning it into good family getaway.

“This is fantastic opportunity for the entire family to come out and compete as well have lots of fun,” said Nick Dumbell, an Englishman employed with JW Marriott Hotel in Whitefield. “Normally, most of the runs are very serious in nature but this has lot of recreation attached to it.

“When you are running, your family can have a nice time. I can see people of all ages. The set-up is amazing and very few races are held in the night. If I’m in Bengaluru next year, I sure going to bring my kids Toby and George again.”

A Deloitte employee, who swapped his party wear for shorts and bibs, said the effort was worth it. “I do run occasionally but when we heard of this race, our team wanted to be a part of. Next time we will get our families.”

The only disappointment was the non-appearance of BMM 2014 ambassador Milkha Singh. The Indian legend was to flag-off the midnight event but was unable to travel to Bengaluru due to flight issues in Chandigarh.


Results: Women’s 10K run: International: Gladys Tarus (Kenya) 34.38 minutes 1; Virgnia Maigua (Kenya) 43.29, 2; Line Cederberg (Sweden) 46.30, 3.
Indian: Neera Katwal (44.35) 1; Gracy A (47.46) 2; Rathi (47.40) 3.