In a remarkable display of grit and determination, the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre (BEG&C) marathon witnessed the participation of visually-impaired Mohammed Asif Iqbal, 88-year-old retired Colonel Kirit Joshipura, and a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds. The event, held at the Dighi hills, marked the centenary year of the BEG memorial, attracting 5,000 participants in the 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km categories.
Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh inaugurated the marathon, setting the stage for an enthusiastic run. Chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jay’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ resonated as participants tackled the challenging terrains.
Asif Iqbal, a consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), traveled from Kolkata to Pune specifically for the 10 km run. He shared, “It was my first trail run. It was special and challenging for me. But I enjoyed it thoroughly as many runners cheered me on along the run.” Accompanied by two guide runners, Iqbal, who lost his vision completely at the age of 16, has been actively participating in marathons for the last five years.
Retired Colonel Joshipura, who completed five kilometers in one hour and ten minutes, expressed his joy at returning to the BEG campus where he served in the 70s. Despite the challenging terrain, he found the experience unique.
Brigadier DG Patwardhan, Commandant of the BEG, honored Joshipura, dubbing him the ‘youngest participant’ and highlighted the historic significance of the event. The marathon aimed to commemorate the centenary of the war memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Bombay Sappers.
The BEG ensured a well-prepared running track, featuring soft ground, amid the verdant surroundings of the Dighi hills and scenic Gurnam Lake inside the BEG campus.
Sakshi Kale, a participant in the 10 km run, expressed her enjoyment of the soil track, contrasting it with the typical hard surfaces of road marathons. The unique setting offered runners a scenic and challenging route, enhancing their overall experience.
