Daijiworld Media Network - Kasaragod
Kasaragod, Nov 5: Defying age and pushing physical limits, a group of 14 passionate runners is undertaking an extraordinary endurance challenge across Kerala, covering 600 km by running a full marathon of 42.195 km every day for 14 consecutive days.
Named 'Keralathon', the initiative began in Kasaragod on November 1 and will conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on November 14. Nearly 70 per cent of the participants are above 50 years of age, while several are senior citizens who have embraced running as a way of maintaining fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
The initiative is being led by 55-year-old Sajith Thoppil Prakasan, whose personal running journey began six years ago. Having lived in Canada for the past 19 years, Sajith said the importance given to fitness and running in developed countries inspired him to take up the sport.
In just six years, he has completed more than 10 full marathons, each covering 42.195 km, and approximately 200 half-marathons.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Sajith said Keralathon was conceived with the objective of encouraging more people to experience the benefits of running and make physical fitness an integral part of their lives.
He appealed to running clubs across Kerala to establish more running communities and motivate people of all age groups to adopt healthier lifestyles.
The runners began their journey in Kasaragod on November 1, proceeded to Kannur on November 2, Wayanad on November 3 and Kozhikode on November 4. They will continue through the remaining districts before reaching the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, on November 14.
One of the most inspiring participants is 72-year-old Paul Padinjarekkara, an ultra-runner who took up running only at the age of 60. Since then, he has covered an astonishing distance of approximately 43,000 km, demonstrating that age need not be a barrier to pursuing physical fitness.
At the other end of the age spectrum is 27-year-old Eldhose Babu, the youngest member of the group.
For participant Mary Joshi, running on Kerala's roads presents several practical challenges, including heavy traffic, the presence of stray dogs and difficult road conditions. She said adapting to these challenges was initially difficult but became easier with experience.
Recovery is another major challenge for the participants, as running 42 km every day places considerable physical demands on the body. The runners said consistent training and preparation had helped them improve their endurance and adapt to the demanding schedule.
Beyond the distance covered, Keralathon aims to send a strong message about the importance of fitness, perseverance and community participation, inspiring people, particularly those above 50, to remain active and pursue their passion regardless of age.