Bengaluru marathon 2019 wrap-up

Big Weekend for Running

Last weekend we witnessed a lot spectacle in long distance running - Eluid Kipchoge beat the INEOS 1:59:59 challenge and proved #NoHumanIsLimited while Chicago Marathon saw Brigid Kosgei breaking women elites world record with a time of 2:14:04. She broke Paula Radcliffe’s record, set at the 2003 London Marathon, by 81 seconds.

SPBM is getting bigger

In other domestic news, Bangalore saw its annual home run SPBM 2019 with over 16K runners participating in - marathon, half marathon and 10k. We experienced commitment, practice & dedication come to light when the runners crossed the starting line with determination and ran through the finishing line in style.

We spoke to few runners about their SPBM 2019 experiences:

Bhagya Konwar - Marathon Finisher

Starting time 4am was good for the Marathon. It allowed us to run most of the route in good weather. There was some humidity but not too bad. Route had many twists and turns, so it was not possible to remember and plan strategies to tackle each section. I just ran and responded to whatever came: slow down if uphill, go faster if downhill and maintain the pace on plain. The plus side of having twists and turns was that I kept seeing familiar faces and therefore felt more comfortable. Hydration arrangements were very good, initially I didn’t discriminate between electrolytes and water and drank whatever came first to hand. After 30k, when I started having cramps, I resorted to raw salt and water. Again these were available at reasonable intervals although not available at all stations. Looping through the stadium at the completion of half distance, for full marathon runners, was interesting as it told us exactly where we were at the halfway stage. Overall good experience.

Shikha Rawal - Marathon Finisher

One of the most awaited events of bangalore as a runner is to participate in my home run (Bangalore marathon). We trained for the race on the same route several times. I was prepared as I had trained hard for it. The route is not very tough and had an elevation gain of 200m. City roads are familiar to all of us and yet we are nervous on the race day. The weather was hotter than usual bangalore morning during this time of the year. I had read the weather forecast the previous day where it said humidity will be high. The race had 2 loops of 21K, and much of the distance was in cubbon park. At around 10k when I realised that humidity was impacting a bit. I was not able to finish my first loop on my planned time and I knew I would not be able to achieve the 4hr target plan. I thought I will continue and finish whatever time and its ok to let it go. The aid stations and volunteer support was good. There were music bands on the course to motivate the runners which was helpful. I felt there could have been music at few more points to maintain that continuity. Overall I would say the organizers did a fantastic job of organizing the entire event right from the bib distribution to prize distribution. The only thing that the city marathon is all about is people and this marathon still lacks that. People do not come and cheer their city runners in bangalore like the way some of the other city public does. May be that can be improved over a period of time.

Senapathy Kalyanasundaram - Half Marathon Finisher (debut)

A mix of anticipation and nervousness – that was what I felt prior to my debut at SPBM 2019. For someone who had run no more than 10K until 4 months ago, I felt happy that my runs with Team Miles Ahead (TMA) my running club, helped me prepare for my first half marathon run ever. The route was quite familiar one – Cubbon Park, Cubbon Road, MG Road, etc – so it was very comforting to run there. A lot of excitement seeing familiar faces from the running fraternity before the race, warming up, clicking pre-race pics and so on. I did not keep any time targets or PR goals prior to the race, but just wanted to go out and enjoy my first half marathon. Though I didn’t run at my best, I managed to finish the race decently. The atmosphere was electric with people cheering along the way, ample hydration provided by volunteers, drummers whipping up the excitement and photographers trying to coax you into your best form while running. Post run, I wound up tired but elated with runner’s high, having fulfilled my desire to chalk up “half marathoner” against my name😊.

Prachi Shah - Half Marathon Finisher (debut)

Running SPBM Half Marathon was a dream come true for someone like me who used to get breathless running even 100 mts initially when I started running. Being my debut HM, I had no targets in mind. I just wanted to enjoy my run which I did. Did struggle a bit after 15 k due to heat but then that is the experience I carry forward with me. I started training for SPBM from June before running a couple of 10ks earlier this year. Intervals and Tempo runs followed by long runs over the weekends during the training period helped me complete my race without injuries. Enjoyed the breakfast post run. A big shout to Team Miles Ahead (TMA), my running group for the motivation and encouragement throughout the training as well as during the run. As the expert runners say from here on I will be improving my run timings and I believe so. It would be good if HM flag off ojecwas advanced by 30 minutes, so as to finish off the run before the weather starts getting hot.

Aravind Ajad Yarra - Marathon Finisher

While I call SPBM is my home race, it is only the second time I am running it and this year’s run is my first marathon distance on this course. Start line arrangements were perfect and so were the hydration and other logistics through the course. Volunteers at the water stations were very enthusiastic and helpful too. Only gripe I have with the water stations is that electrolytes are diluted to the level it tastes like water. Race start 4am is a bit too early and inconvenient, but on hindsight it is perfect as much of the race is done before the sun came in full glory. Humidity was pretty high on the day, slight breeze made the first half of the run pleasant though. Running a two loop course is always challenging. Cheering from local running groups, Team Miles Ahead, Soles of Bangalore, JJ and others made the second loop somewhat bearable. Last 5-6 kilometers through the Cubbon park was quite challenging and elevation & heat made it even harder. Training in Cubbon park on the run up to race day definitely helped. I would only wish more Bengalureans to come out and be part of the event. Building awareness and encouraging crowd support is something I look forward in the next edition. Finish line arrangements were perfect and nothing can beat a hot breakfast post a hard run. Kanteerava stadium is a great place to hang out with running buddies post the run. Overall a very positive experience. 8 out of 10. Glad I finally ran namma Bengaluru marathon.

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Aditi Pandya is a marathoner, a writer and a fitness enthusiast. She is second runner up at Airtel Hyderbad Marathon 2019 in women open half-marathon category.