A blissful experience

The city’s only marathon takes runners through landmark buildings and parks. Beautiful Bengaluru weather and the traditional hospitality of the city makes participation a blissful experience. The run starts at Kanteerava Stadium and will be a green event with zero use of plastic and flex signage throughout the event.

The marathon attracts more than 16,000 runners from all sections of society and provides a platform to showcase their talent. There are 200 visually impaired runners also gearing up for the race and of them 15 are being specifically trained to run the marathon.

Other races held on the day are the half marathon and the 5km Hope Run with the participation of charity organisations and NGOs including the Mathru Foundation, Samarthanam Trust, Ananya Trust, Mitra Jyothi Foundation and others. Many corporate runners participate as teams to raise funds for various charities quite apart from amateur runners including children and the elderly.

Arjuna awardee and World Masters winner Reeth Abraham is the event Ambassador.

In the build-up to the race organisers conduct four or five training runs in different parts of the city to help runners prepare for the main event. Each session provides a T-shirt, route support and refreshment absolutely free to registered participants.

Mr. Nagaraj Adiga, CMD of the organising body NEB Sports Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, comments: “SPBM enters its 6th edition and this was made possible only because of the support of the running communities in Bangalore. SPBM is an inclusive event with participation from visually impaired runners, specially-abled and wheelchair athletes and HIV+ patients. The idea was to help people adopt a healthy lifestyle and provide a platform for all deserving sportspersons to showcase their talent.”

With the organisers committed to providing a safe and memorable run for all participants the event marshals over 500 volunteers, 100 doctors and paramedics, 200 security personnel and 200 housekeeping staff. There is an aid station every kilometre throughout the entire route providing water and hydration in reusable cups.

There is a two-day expo prior to the event where key sporting brands promote their products. Runners come to collect their kit and listen to expert advice on running and fitness.

Shrishti Special Academy is this year’s NGO partner. Part of the registration proceeds go to the NGO and over 100 kids from Shristi will run the 5km Hope Run.