O n the eve of 2nd Sunday of every December there is a palpable excitement amongst the Goan running community. For many a local runner, this is the home turf. This is where some runners try to set their personal best, while others find the additional courage and motivation to step up a gear or an opportunity to transit to participate in a longer distance run. For ample of runners, this is also their maiden run.
Plenty of outstation runners combine partaking in the marathon event along with a leisure trip to Goa (where else!!). Combined with the fact that this is the only race in India where you are provided a glass full of chilled beer upon your successful completion of the race as a celebration. One must admit, somethings are simply subjugated in classic goan style.
In this years’ event, held on 10th December 2023, there was a first of its kind introduction of a new category apart from the usual 42K, 21K, 10K and 5K that got the paddock buzzing. It was the 20 miler or 32K category. A very thoughtful and intermediate category introduced by the organizers. This helps the budding runners in numerous ways.
Firstly, for the runners who are trying to migrate from 21K to 42K, 32k becomes a bridge that connects the 2 categories and provides a much-needed reality check to build confidence towards achieving the ultimate pinnacle in running. Usually, it is quite a challenging leap from 21k to 42k, as this requires serious training, unbridled self-confidence, severe perseverance, and plenty of respect to the body due to the daunting task the body is put through.
Secondly those who are not confident of doing the 42K have an option of downgrading to 32K, while still boasting that they covered more than the half marathon distance. The organizers witnessed plenty of buzz and participation in this newly introduced category.
Thirdly, for the 32K, the course marked is a flat-out route that traverses from Chicalim panchayat ground at Vasco to Cortalim junction and back. The whole loop needs to be repeated twice. The route is devoid of any surprises, with flat undulating tar roads spanning the entire stretch. The acoustic Zuari river provides a magnificent backdrop and surreal company all along the route.
The 42K full marathon follows a similar route to 32K, however with the addition of 2 brutal climbs that make up the balance 10K. The full marathon race flags off as early as 4:00 am.
The participation numbers roughly stood as follows:
42K: 100 runners
32K: 150 runners
21K: 720 runners
10K: 930 runners
Once the 42K runners cleared out from the start line at 4:00 am, the 32K runners quickly followed suit at 4:20 am. In another 25 mins, the 21K runners also started their race.
As like every other outdoor sport, weather plays a significant part in a marathon. It either aids or breaks down a runner. Given the relatively early flag-off time and the onset of winter, one would expect nippiness in the air. However, for FM runners, this proved to be a rude shock. Even at 4:00 am, the air was devoid of any coolness. Owing to the high humidity, just after 5kms, post completing the difficult hill terrain, most of the runners had already started to sweat profusely.
Loop 1 of the route negotiates in pre-dawn darkness supported by the street lights. The hydration and medical points are spaced at intervals of 1.5 to 2 kms, hence you are never far away from receiving help as the need arises. Hydration points are well equipped with water, electral, oranges and bananas for the runners to re-energize themselves.
Photographers are positioned along the quote to capture the eccentric moments of runners in action. Live music bands liven up the atmosphere and play traditional Goan, hindi and English songs, cheering the runners and ensuring a festive atmosphere is maintained throughout. Proper distance marking dons the entire course ensuring runners are well informed on their progress.
As dawn broke itself on to the course, humidity gave way to imperceptible dryness in the air and shortly thereafter the heat increased as well as the Sun arrived in full glory. Some long-distance runners suffered body cramps as the weather bore heavily upon them. Fighting fatigue, persevering with the task at hand, riding on sheer will power and determination and discouraging the wailing screams from their body and legs, the runners ploughed their way through the course with most of the runners crossing the finish line within the stipulated time.
The jubilation and gratification felt by the runners, upon crossing the finish line is the best feeling a marathon runner can get. It justifies the countless mornings and evenings invested in training, the sacrifice and support from the family, the pounding received by the body. The pain magically disappears, albeit shortly, and transforms into exultation.
What more! You receive a glass of beer to drink along with your running buddies that simply tops the icing on the cake. The finishers medal is a humble reward for the hard work and effort devoted during the race. Countless photos, selfies and group discussion scenes are witnessed at the post-race venue, as runners share their experience with each other.
Each runner congratulates the other with a promise to be back next year with more vigor and zeal to push to the next level, before they break into the Sunday reverie. All the moments of GRM will be well and truly cherished.
However, there is footnote to be added. Although the entire event is quite well organized, it sure is a plain fact that GRM is one of the most expensive marathons in India with charges per head for 42K participants being upwards of Rs. 3,000/-The expo was a clear disappointment as there were hardly any kiosks with notable brands clearly missing.
While the organizing during on the course was well planned and executed, the post-race amenities were starkly missing. The medical / fitness center left a lot to be desired. Ideally, breakfast should be served hot and healthy rather than passing on a convenient pastry palace box containing patties, cupcake and frooti tetra pack. The biggest disappointment is the way in which beer is being served. Rather than handing out beer cans, the beers (locally brewed) were poured in paper cups and handed over to the finishers leaving the runners no choice but to either drink it or throw it away.
It makes sense that runners do not feel robbed or cheated when compared to the marathon price tag as seasoned runners have participated in marathons held across India and if GRM is going to be Goa’s front face, it needs to spend every bit of effort and penny to showcase the best hospitability that Goa and Goans can offer.
