BENGALURU’S SENIORS: NEVER TOO OLD TO SET ANOTHER GOAL

At the TCS 10K Bengaluru, the seniors participating in the 4.2km Senior Citizen Run flocked to the enclosure marked for them. They showed up in attires ranging from sarees to shorts and their energy caused the atmosphere to pulsate with excitement. They were dancing, warming up for the run, networking with fellow silvers, and keeping the laughter quotient high. The electricity was palpable.

 “We are tough and strong. Because we are the Class of 1930s,” read the placard that 78-year-old Krishna Prasad held aloft proudly as he and other seniors were flagged off from Bengaluru’s Kanteerava Stadium, on May 21.

For Mr Prasad, walking is the secret recipe for fitness. “In old age, you don’t work for money or power. You work to keep your body moving and to ensure your mind stays agile and active. Walking accomplishes both goals,” says the septuagenarian, who clocks 2.5 hours of walking every day.

This year TCS 10K Bengaluru – which was first held in 2008 – had a record 27,000 participants. The senior citizen 4.2km Senior Citizen Run was one among the five different categories that featured at this event. Demonstrating their commitment and enthusiasm, Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, (Chairman Vayah Vikas & Chairman, Axilor Ventures), Dr Alexander Thomas, (Founder member Vayah Vikas & Patron, AHPI) & Ms Jamuna Ravi (CEO, Vayah Vikas) participated in this event.

 The race was flagged off and finished at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, and the route taken by the runners wound through Kasturba Road, the famous MG Road, and Cubbon Road.

 A heavy downpour on the eve of the TCS 10K could have caused a setback for the seniors participating in the event. But it did very little to dampen their spirits. The silver participants – whose numbers crossed the 1,000 mark - turned the event into a buzzing, fun-filled carnival.

As the silvers laced up for the race and trooped out of the stadium – some holding walking sticks and others with placards - the Senior Citizen Run became a source of inspiration both for the runners and spectators.

Col N Vishwanathan, who celebrated his milestone 80^th birthday recently, had a spring in his step as he set off for the walkathon. “This is the second time I am participating in the TCS event. It’s nice to see more and more youngsters like me take part in an activity that tests your perseverance,” he noted with a guffaw. A self-proclaimed fitness-freak, Col Vishwanathan spends his mornings either in the gym, playing badminton, or walking.

 Among the excited participants was 73-year-old KSN Murthy. Mr Murthy calls himself a veteran at the event. “This is the ninth time I’m participating in the TCS 10K. I should be recognized for being it’s biggest aficionado,” he says with pride, and promises to keep attending the event as long as he stays fit and on his feet.

 The theme of the 2023 TCS event was #ComeAlive. Bengaluru’s senior citizens definitely kept the flag of `staying fit and alive’ flying, as they put their passion for fitness on display and proved that age is only an issue of mind over matter. 

“As soon as you feel too old to do a thing – do it.” And Bengaluru’s seniors conquered the 4.2 km track with élan.

 

-        By Varuna Verma

Link to pics on YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/l5CwsmzmB0M?feature=share