Kolkata: With winter season in its last lap,
about 10,000 runners witnessed a memorable misty morning in
company of Sachin Tendulkar during the second edition of IDBI
Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Full Marathon.
Among the runners were homemaker Pooja Jain, a mother of
two who ran full marathon in a saree, and blade runner Afzal
Khan.
"We all have our days when we look for excuses not to get
up, get out and exercise. This young man leaves no room for
any. You are an inspiration blade runner, Afzal Khan. Keep
running," Tendulkar posted on Twitter posing with Afzal.
"It's great to see ho so many people from all walks of
life joined us in this fitness endeavour," Tendulkar said as
he also posted his selfie with the runners.
Tendulkar cheered for them, posed for selfies and even
obliged his fans with autographs from the stage as the Indian
icon ensured that every participant returned home with happy
memories.
"Kemon acho Kolkata," Tendulkar greeted the participants
while flagging off the marathon.
Describing it as an electrifying atmosphere, Tendulkar
said: "Every time we have come here, we've seen better
response.
"We are all talking about India's health and future
generation being aware of how important it is to remain in
good health."
Tendulkar was gifted a bracelet by the young girls of Ek
Tara, an NGO as he pointed at it and said: "I'm wearing
this... They are all teenagers, young girls. It means a lot to
me.
"When I saw these kids standing on the front row, my
message to all the seniors was catch them if you can. They are
going to run way. It's time to keep up with them. They have
got the message."
"It's important that seniors also respond to that. So far
it has been fantastic, let's make it even better," he
concluded.
PTI
