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'Give life' Chennai Marathon takes away a life

By: envyram | Posted Aug 31, 2008 | General | 1642 Views | (Updated Aug 31, 2008 11:43 PM)

Sunday 31st August began with a colorful rainbow, but the day ended on a darker note. You might have heard the news about Chennai Marathon and all the hype like being worlds third costliest marathon and all that ... the news that would be heard from here on will be about one young student's death in the event. I have read that he has died out of cardiac arrest and I hope that is the actual reason.

I personally had a horrible experience with the event and now I find it lucky that I could not participate (more on my blog: https://unintelligiblescribblings.blogspot.com/). I have heard from my friends that Chennai has a history of not being best in organizing this event every year. This time there was more hope, because it was organized not by any sports organization but by some private sponsors (Marg).

As it turned out, there was total chaos right from the starting point till the finish:

1) I had an experience where I could not reach even the Starting point

2) My friend who ran the half-marathon, could not get hold of a drop of water as the stations along the route had no water.

3) He said, he could not even spot the finish line ... and was just into a crowd near the Gandhi statue (where the race was said to terminate) and that it, race was over.

I have also read that a near-stampede was just avoided because of some efficient policemen. Given the situation, its pretty lucky that the event took away only one life. If Marg and other organizers had spent at least half the time and money they had spent on banners and title-songs (sounded like a song for some political party gathering), the event could have been much better. They are trying to better other Indian cities like Mumbai and Delhi, in number and not quality. For an sporting event that requires utmost care and organizing, Chennai Marathon was a total nuisance. To kill one student and get money for other poor kids is not the way to go.

I have run 2 half-marathons, but both were in UK. Though my spirit is Indian, cannot stop from admiring their organizing abilities. I hate to say this, but a sad fact is - this is India. When will the organizers learn?? Hope the media gives the event an unbiased coverage.

But kudos to the young chap (who lost his life) and his sporting spirit. He has run for a cause and will be remembered forever (Info from net: Santosh, 22-yr old Anna university student). Well done to all other participants as well.

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rara123

Sep 01, 2008 11:49 AM

While Vinayak has presented his anguish in a most telling manner there can be nothing further from the truth. His report seems to have been made more on hearsay than facts. I was a participant along with my friends and hence my perspective needs to be shared too. There were more than adequate water stations as well as ambulances stationed almost every 500 metres. The number of participants in the Chennai marathon were much larger (AROUND A LAKH AND SEVENTY) than the expected nos thanks to the effective advertisments / endorsements from celebrities.
While condoning the death of the young student one has to also remember that every year at various marathons these unfortunate events do happen and it is indeed nothing more than a quirk of fate. While agreeing that the organization of such events are not of international standard, it is also pertinent to note that the enthusiasm for an event such as this was both spontaneous and overwhelming to say the least. One has to look at the fact that every darkcloud has a silver lining and while the fact remains that one young boy lost his life, there are many others who will perhaps have a better future thanks to this Marathon.
The Marathon at Chennai was a leveller of sorts with people from every strata of the society running for what they believed was a great cause. At the ripe old age of 369, Chennai has seen births and deaths, mishaps and fortunate events, kings and paupers but very few situations such as this marathon where instead of running for their lives, the people of the city ran to improve the lives of others. That to me was the essence and the spirit of the run that shone through rather than the glitches. The glass my dear friend can be seen as half empty or half full, depends the way you want to look at it.
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MayaMadhavan01

Sep 01, 2008 04:22 PM

I too agree with the comments posted in ‘The other side of the coin’. I do believe that every story has two sides. One side which is widely known & publicized and the other side which is not known to everybody…..

It was so very unfortunate that a young boy lost his Life while participating in the Marathon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.

I would like to share my experience at the Chennai Marathon. We participated in the Great Chennai Run and we were at the venue (Island Grounds) from 5.30am to experience this great event. The policemen at the venue were very co-operative and we did not have any trouble in terms of directions or clarifications. The Sea of Humanity during the Great Chennai Run was spellbinding. We have never seen so many people come together for a cause. It was an incredible sight !!

It is quite unfortunate that though the Marathon was a huge success in terms of people’s participation, an ill-fated accident also happened.

I do not think that the “BLAME GAME” is going to help anyone of us. We need to keep the following facts in mind:

1.When huge events like these are organized, it is not practical for the Organizers to physically verify the medical history of each participant

2.Even trained, professional athletes have lost their lives in such accidents. Earlier, in November 2007, top U.S. long distance runner Ryan Shay died during the Olympic trials due to heart failure. (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/11/03/sports/NA-SPT-ATH-Marathon-Trials-Death.php?WT.mc_id=rssfrontpage )

3.It is also quite possible for accidents like these to happen when people participate in such long distance running events without adequate training

So let us not be judgmental and jump into conclusions. There might be a lot of facts which none of us are aware of.....It is quite commendable that the organizers managed to raise a handsome amount to support the education of under privileged children.
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envyram

Sep 01, 2008 08:57 PM

There is no doubt about the wonderful spirit shown by every participant ... in terms of the participation and the spirit shown by Chennaiites, it was nothing short of terrific.

My post is only at the organizing part of it. If I sounded like I blamed the organizing for death, I am sorry ... agreed that these eventualities happen in any sporting event. But that doesnt mean we have to forget all about poor organizing

Seeing 'other side of the coin' .. 'half glass' full/half is good ... but you have to accept if it was a poor show. Only then ... ONLY THEN .. we can improve. Personally, I am happy for you guys that you ppl have enjoyed the run ...

Policemen were co-operative. But they are not the ones with best information. Were were the volunteers?

And btw, my information is not hearsay, but from my friend (with whom I was supposed to run) and my own experience. My friend after completing 12 kms was asking the audience for water ... was there someone to welcome you at the finish line (did you ppl know where the half-marathon finish line was?) ...
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thakurman

Sep 05, 2008 02:07 PM

I guess it all depends on the sponsors and the way they manage it. But if water, a basic necessity was unavailable, then it must be very poorly managed. I haven't participated in many, so don't know much about it...Read More

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