Runathon 2023 – A Sunday like no other

How does one run a marathon?

By taking one step at a time

If you think of it, you will realise that life too is just a marathon. So many times we are demotivated, we want to quit, we feel exhausted, but it is always that one squeaky voice in the heart that inspires us to get up and cross the finish line. And once the race is over, one realises that it wasn’t winning that meant the most, it was the spirit of not giving up that turned us into a champion.

Apeejay School, Noida has produced countless athletes over the years. The school knows that a lesson taught practically goes a long way in life. Hence, spreading the love for fitness and helping rediscover the joy for running, the school recently organised Runathon 2023 – Together we stride, for every child to thrive.

This mega sports event witnessed a massive participation as more than 1000 participants including students, teachers, parents and professional runners flocked the school campus before sunrise. In sync with the aim for all to experience the joy of running, the school had planned four different races- 3km & 5km walk/run, 10km run and a 16km run.

Runathon 2023 was graced by the esteemed presence of Major General Vikram Dogra,  popularly known as the Ironman of Indian Army, who served in the Indian Army for over 37 years. The Sword of Honour recipient flagged off the marathon at 6:00 am, with the 16km runners hustling in the morning mist. 

Speaking about the importance of running, the maestro shared a few tips on successfully completing the marathon and also wished the participants the best. He stated, “Be mindful while running. Feel every breath and every step you take. Feel the movement of the body, feel the wind, take in the environment around the running track. I have observed most young runners miss out on the very experience of running as they run with loud music in their headsets. Remember! Being fit is not merely running a marathon or working out like crazy in the gym. Being fit means you should do everything your body is expected to do! Be mindful and enjoy the process.”

Principal, Ms. Ritu Kohli also heartily welcomed all the participants and expressed her appreciation for their zeal and enthusiasm.  She mentioned how the school had set a new hallmark in sporting excellence as Runathon 2023 included more than 400 student participants across all classes and not merely professional runners.

To set the tone for the day, Ms. Sreerupa, the school dance teacher, initiated a Zumba session with the participants. Ensuring a perfect adrenaline rush among the runners, the rhythmic beats of the Zumba warm-up session added a dynamic touch, preparing participants for
the day ahead.

 As participants crossed the finish line, a well-deserved breakfast awaited them, providing a moment for replenishment and reflection on the collective achievements of the day. A medal, an event T-shirt with a stylised bag was awarded to every participant.

However, the most awaited moment was the award ceremony, which saw the final champions emerge. Mr. Manish Kumar Verma (IAS), District Magistrate, Gautam Buddha Nagar, graced the event and gave away medals to the winners. He congratulated and felicitated the winners and also spoke on the importance of discipline in not just an athlete’s life but also for people working in any sphere.  

The District Magistrate mentioned, “I have observed that students these days are more engrossed in indoor games. This often takes them away from physical fitness. Hence, I congratulate the school for spreading awareness about the importance of outdoor sports through this marathon. It is a great message about fitness and running.”

However, what made Runathon 2023 a huge success was that it not only broke away from the chains of laziness that the Sunday brings, but also enabled the participants to realise the importance of taking one step at a time.