-Sivaguru, Sandhiya Bala, Sribhavani, Preethi R, Preethi P, Andreas, Aarthi, Patchaiyappan, Nithya Sandhosh, Ilakiya and Durai
One of our core values is responsibility. This includes taking responsibility for our life and health. Many of us decided to participate in the Auroville Marathon event. While most of us participated in a 10k run, Prem did a half marathon (21 km). Some of us prepared leading to the event a few others did a bit of a warm-up for a week leading up to the challenge. Here are our reflections.
The Auroville Marathon was held on Sunday, 18th February 2024. In addition to the marathon and half marathon, a 10k run is available. It is one of the largest and most popular running events in India, with participants from all parts of India which is publicized by past runners through word of mouth or blogs like this.
The event is non-commercial and organized purely for the joy of running. It considers all the finishers as winners.
This year our team participated in the marathon. For that, our steward Sanjeev Ranganathan encouraged us to be physically fit to do the push-ups and sit-ups during the morning meeting every day for a week before the run. This helped us to stretch ourselves as physically fit. It helped us to complete the marathon without any physical injuries.
Here are the few reflections from our team members,
Sivaguruprasath:
My name is Sivaguruprasath, and I stand for courage, full potential, and equanimity for myself and others. I noticed that I could challenge my thought of “I can’t do it,” and I ran with perseverance. I completed the run, and it was an unforgettable moment that filled me with happiness.
Preethi R:
My name is Preethi. I stand for courage and kindness for myself and others. It was a nice experience for me to be part of this year marathon. It was not just about reaching the finish line but also about learning more about myself. When the race started, I felt excited and full of energy. But as the kilometres passed, I realized that running a long distance is not just about speed, it’s about patience and endurance. At some points, I felt tired and wanted to stop. My mind kept telling me to keep going, step by step. This made me realize that I can push through challenges if I stay determined. Another thing I learned is the power of motivation. Seeing other runners and hearing cheers from people along the way gave me energy. It reminded me that support from others makes a big difference. When I crossed the finish line, I felt proud and it was a great experience for me.
Andreas:
When participating at the 15th Auroville Marathon I ran a 21km Half Marathon for the first time. The starting time, route markings and nutrition stations were well placed. I am happy with my time of 1h 55min. It was nice to see many parts of Auroville while running on different roads and paths with everything was lit by the sunrise. Even though I was sweating a lot and keeping up the pace was really exhausting, I really enjoyed the run. The finish was also nice with included snacks and breakfast, and the professional stretching was helpful. Coming together with all others to dance and have fun after the run was also nice. Overall, a great event, in my opinion.
Bhavani:
My name is Sri Bhavani. I stand for Love and Equality for myself. In this Auroville marathon, I was able to notice my level of perseverance and courage while finishing the marathon of 10km. This event created an opportunity for the people who are dedicated to sports, youths, elderly people, and children. I was inspired by one of the participants who is a senior citizen and a woman. I see courage in her to finish the run. I learned 2 important things. One is there is no age to do sports and another one is, when I cannot take a big action for the change, at least I can do minimal action for the change I wish to see.
SandhiyaBala:
My name is Sandhiya Bala, and I stand for courage, care, and happiness for myself and others. Participating in this year’s marathon has been a challenging yet enriching experience. It has helped me recognize my capabilities, pushing me beyond my limits while teaching me the importance of self-discipline and perseverance. Through this journey, I have gained a deeper understanding of how to take care of my health, maintain a proper diet, and build endurance. This experience has strengthened my physical fitness and reinforced the power of determination and mindful self-care in achieving my goals.
Nithya Santhosh:
My name is Nithyasandhosh. I deeply care about kindness and equality for myself and others. Recently, I participated in a 25K marathon, which was an incredible and inspiring experience. I was truly impressed by the organizing team and their ability to manage such a large-scale event with efficiency and dedication. I see the quality and full potential and responsibility.
It was amazing to see so many people from different states in India come together to participate. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, unity, and a spirit of equality, as everyone encouraged and motivated each other. Every 3 kilometres, there were well-organized stalls providing electrolytes, water, fruits, and other essentials to keep the runners energized.
This marathon was a celebration of determination, teamwork, and perseverance. It reminded me of the power of community and the importance of pushing our limits while supporting one another. I look forward to participating again and inspiring more people to take part in such enriching experiences.
Ilakiya:
My name is Ilakya Arasi. I stand for kindness and courage for myself and others. From the Marathon, I learnt that I could be my own companion that could encourage me to reach my destination. I noticed that I can inspire myself, I can always drive myself to the end point.
Aarthi:
My name is Aarthi, I stand for equality, integrity and perseverance for myself and others. It is my first time to participate in the Auroville marathon. when I was running l like the environment around me, the nature, encouraging people, that boost my energy to run fast. Once I completed the marathon, I do not have energy but the environment motivated to dance and enjoy. It was a memorable day for me. Really it was a joyful running. Everyone cared and supported others. Thank you for all.
Preethi P:
My name is Preethi P I stand for courage and happiness for myself and others. It was my first marathon and it was a very super experience for me to run 10 km.it was not about who has to finish first it’s about the joy of running and I learned about my capacity and about myself. When I started to run I felt more energetic and I think that it is very easy to pass 10 km , as I passed half kilometres, I felt I had no energy to complete and I think that I have to quit but when I saw the elder ones running behind me it motivated me to run and I learnt more patience and self confidence. At the finishing line other people cheering the runners and it gives me energy and I feel proud and it is a new experience for me to be a part of the marathon.
Patchaiyappan:
My name is Patchaiyappan. I stand for peace for myself and others. this marathon I participated in 21 km running. it was the second time for 21km running, and I was more excited at the starting time, running among the jungle it was make so happy for my mind and also it helped me notice what is my strength and how much capacity i am having without doing prior practice. The volunteers supported as well for me. finishing point they wear for us medal it felt me satisfied.
Duraisamy Pandurangan :
My name is Duraisamy Pandurangan. I deeply care about dignity, wisdom, and freedom. I participated in a 10km marathon without shoes. It was really hard to complete, but the perseverance and determination within me drove me to finish. Many participants encouraged me during the difficult parts of the run, which showed the humanity and support of others. Finishing the marathon gave me a sense of energy and fulfillment.
