Running would be the buzzword in the capital on November 20 as Airtel Delhi Half Marathon preps up for its ninth edition as part of its larger objective to promote healthy lifestyle among all age groups.
Tthere are few runners who would also participate for their love of what many say is the easiest and most effective way of working out. Don't raise eyebrows when you come to know that Suneetha Parasanna, 71, would be testing her speed against competitors of her grandson's age in Delhi come November 20.
Youngsters too will be seen sweating it out on Delhi's roads, some accompanying their family on the running track and some purely for fun. Even as young as an 18-year-old girl — Tanya Singh — can be seen testing her limits.
SUNEETHA PARASANNA, 71
Grandmother of two, former HR manager at an IT firm, podium finisher in her age category a number of times and Oldest Female Runner running Half Marathon this time round, is one great competitor having participated in Bangalore Half Marathon for 3 consecutive years.
I started running 8 years back and since then have found that it's the best exercise to be on my comfort zone, she says.
When asked about her age and the vulnerabilities that come with it, she responded, "Age is just a number and doesn't really bother about hair turning grey. Besides speed getting compromised, there is not much to worry about."
Indeed, she is into gymming too to avoid muscle strain. "A right amount of stretching in gym helps me combat old age-related injuries," Prasanna adds.
SHIV GANJU, 84
A former tennis and hockey state-level player, this octogenarian from Vaishali, Ghaziabad, would participate in his maiden long distance running competition.
He proudly narrates his feat of successfully completing 10 Himalayan expeditions and is not all bogged down by a new challenge at hand.
"In my age group, I win the 100m races and I feel confident enough to finish the half marathon in respectable time. After all I am lot into trekking and hiking," Shiv said.
He hits the gym too, practices yoga for flexibility and is a keen walker — all these habits give him some added motivation for crossing the final line.
MIRA DADlANI, 80
Oldest participant to take part in Senior Citizen Run (4 km) in this year's half marathon is Dadlani from Delhi. An active Yoga practitioner and a devout of 'Art of living', she does brisk walking two-hours-a-day. "My mother is obsessed with working out. And so is our entire family. She has inspired me (52) plus my two children to have a crack at this year's marathon. So basically, three generations of our family are taking part in Delhi Half Marathon this year," Mira’s son Deepak informed.
TANYA SINGH,18
For fresher legs, ADHM is all about recreation amid the frenzy for running. And Tanya, the youngest female runner at the forthcoming event, echoes that chirpiness associated with a youngster when she talks about the half marathon.
"I will run for sheer fun. My mom, dad and brother have also registered for ADHM and it will be a great family outing," Tanya says.
A first year student of political science from Delhi University, she said, "Due to college compulsions, I have not been practicing of late. So hopefully I will cross the finishing line in 3-4 hours."