Flashback 2010

You do it once, you got lucky. You do it twice, ok it was a coincidence. You do it thrice, and more importantly bigger and better, well you have a trend in the making. That is exactly what the 2010 Indore marathon was, a trend-setter, a triumph of sorts. The theme for the hat trick year of the marathon was “Run for an educated India”, and who better to organise the event than IIM Indore, which since its inception has had the reputation of producing not only potential business leaders but leaders with value and social sensitivity.
Education is the essence of life. It opens up our mind to new ideas and critical thinking and enables us to see the world more rationally, objectively and act accordingly. In today’s India, the importance of education could not be over-stressed. At a time when all seems lost and hopes are dangling by weak strings, its education that comes as the silver-lining, in terms of making the people and the nation as a whole a more receptive and thinking organism that takes its decision based on strongly held logic rather than based on catalysis from some self-centred leader. On a broader perspective, the world looks up to India as a leader in technology and it’s up to us to raise our nation to the stature.
Keeping all this in mind, the theme was carefully selected and it got the stamp of support of more than 4000 enthusiastic participants belonging to all walks of life and to all age groups. The marathon was organised in two separate runs. The education run, which spanned a distance of 11 km, with it’s starting point at Dassehra Maidan, Indore and reaching a finish at the gates of the hillock of Prabandh shikhar, the abode of IIM Indore. The second was the traditional “dream run” around the campus covering a distance of 3km. Both the events were extremely successful, which could be gauged from the number of eminent personalities who took part in the event in full spirit and showed their commitment to make help make a difference.

The dust and sand might have settled down, the running shoes might be taking rest, but the spirit still remains the same and so does the zeal to make a difference and be the change. That is what brings us to the 4th edition of the marathon-running for a healthier India.

 

Flashback 2009

"The woods are lovely dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."

Robert Frost

On October 2nd 2009, IIM-Indore celebrated Gandhi Jayanti in style as the Indore Marathon 2009, an IIM Indore initiative, in collaboration with Punjab National Bank and State Bank of Indore kicked off to a bright start. An awe inspiring display of the collective consciousness, Indore Marathon represents the greatest endowment of this country - a conscious citizenry united for a common cause. The 2009 “run” attempted to encompass a wider cause - Our Nature, Our Earth, and Our Planet.

The marathon spearheaded the slogan “Run… for a Greener Indore” and focused on the most fundamental, yet, neglected issue that we are facing - environmental degradation. IIM Indore took the initiative of promoting the idea of a greener Indore and motivating the youth to step forward and take onus for the environment they live in. The need to create a greener Indore was reinforced by messages from various dignitaries, as well as many other participants, who felt that creating a greener Indore is the key to ensuring a brighter future for all generations.
The 12 km run was flagged off at 7am from SGSITS grounds, Indore in the presence of Mr. Anil Bhan from Punjab National Bank, Prof. N. Ravichandran - the IIM Indore director, various other dignitaries and members of the national media. Half an hour later, the 3 km long ‘dream run’ kicked off. The participants exuded high degree of enthusiasm as the event showcased over 5000 runners from diverse backgrounds and ages. The spirit was further heightened with the side-walks of the marathon route being thronged by spectators. It was indeed heartening to see Indore fight for a cause, all united and spirited.
The “run” hoped to inspire a small step towards realizing the importance of ‘green’ in the lives of all and how the solution to this global problem lay in the hands of the youth of the country. With ‘Nature’ being the protagonist, this initiative turned into a magnum opus.

On that October morning, the roads of Indore reverberated with the green symphony played by the philharmonic citizenry of the beautiful city.

Flashback 2008

Today I feel honored to share one of my most cherished experiences with you. But who am I? I am the "road network" of Indore City!

From dawn to dusk, amidst the hustle and bustle of Indore I can easily notice people running for great health, to reach office in time, children rushing back home from school and retirees trying to keep up the pace with this fast moving world. I too get tired with so much of load throughout the day.

2nd October 2008, Gandhi Jayanti, all organizations were closed and I was hoping to have some leisure time. But suddenly, I was startled to see everyone dressed up in different attire, with an expression of pride and visages that glowed with radiant colour of enthusiasm, moving fast to join a mega event. It was a "Run for Peace", a fight against violence and terrorism.

Indore Marathon 2008 - a run for Peace & Harmony was organized by students of IIM Indore.

The event had two runs to offer:
1. Celebrity Run - 2.0 Km
2. Peace Run - 12.0 Km

This way the event had offers for both casual runners and serious athletes. Participants turned out in huge numbers including women, children and even retirees who crossed the barriers of age and health. Media, industrial houses and various organizations supported the social cause.

The operational execution, clearly displayed the practical implementation of management ideas taught to the students at IIM Indore. Routes were planned; provisions of food and immediate medical support were well arranged. Every student worked hard to support the participants.

Indian Institute of Management Indore once again marked its presence in the sphere of Social responsibility and National Unity. The event clearly showcased views of the Mahatma and unity in diversity!

I too was enthused with a feeling of patriotism and harmony with every foot hitting me. It was a moment to boast about and feel proud being a part of Indore Marathon -"The Run for Peace!"