On your mark, get set, go: Hyderabad gears up for annual marathon

Hyderabad: After a year, the Airtel Hyderabad Marathon (AHM) is back. Though not as grand as it was planned, the enthusiastic runners of the city have something to look forward to.

The 10th edition of AHM this year will begin on 12 December with a curtain raiser event – a 5k fun run at the University of Hyderabad. On 19 December, the marathon day, there is a 10k run from Hitech city to Gachibowli; a half marathon from People's Plaza to Gachibowli Stadium; and a full marathon from the picturesque Hussain Sagar to the Gachibowli Stadium.

Running a marathon during COVID-19

Considering the prevailing COVID-19 situation, a lot of care is being taken to prevent the spread of the virus during the event. "All the participants are being asked to provide their double vaccination certificates during online registration. If they do not have one, they must carry an RT-PCR negative certificate taken within 72 hours before the event," said Prashant Morparia, the race director of AHM 2021. Not just the participants, but all volunteers will be asked to carry either a vaccination certificate or an RT-PCR negative certificate.

Besides, all are encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing near the starting and finishing lines. Also, temperature checks will be conducted at the start line and only those who show normal temperatures will be allowed to participate.

Prashant said medical stations will be set up at frequent intervals all along the route and ambulances will be available at the start and finish points in case of any casualties. Biscuit and water counters will be set up at regular intervals along the route to keep the runners hydrated.

"Usually, the runners get an opportunity to meet and talk over breakfast with their co-participants. But this time, we are trying our best to minimize contact. So we have decided to give packed breakfast to all the finishing participants," explained Prashant.

Proper waste disposal has also been planned for the event. There will be separate dustbins for participants to dispose of their masks and other related wastes.

A unique race this year

The AHM medal is usually treasured by the participants. This year, it's going to be valued even more. "We are giving a very colourful medal with Durgam Cheruvu and Hitec city inscribed on the medal to all the finishing participants," said Prashant.

Another highlight is the virtual run category that has been introduced for the very first time for all four events. Considering all the runners who are unable to make it to the city this time, AHM has opened a virtual run to allow runners to participate at their own locations from 11 to 20 December.

Hyderabad Marathon is by itself unique from the marathons in other cities, added Prashant. "It is one of the toughest marathons in the country because of the different elevations covered in the course of the marathon," he said. He also noted that the route of the Hyderabad Marathon is scenic and several iconic landscapes of the city like the Hussain Sagar, the Buddha Statue, the KBR Park, and many others are covered in the marathon route. He also explained the cooperation of the GHMC, civic authorities, and the police.

However, in an event that witnesses tremendous footfall only 8,000 runners have registered this year.

The annual running event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The photos are from Airtel Hyderabad Marathon 2019.