An uphill race against time

Marathon runners across the city are gearing up for a challenging six-kilometre race up the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats

For marathon runners, covering a distance of five to six kilometres might seem almost farcical. But not when the trail winds up a hill. An upcoming event in the city will test the best of the runners, as they have to trek against time.

Trekathon — a simple portmanteau of trek and marathon — is the latest adventure sport in the city. “It is a competition with one’s own self. It is a challenge that tests you physically as well as mentally,” says Yogendra Patil, co-founder of Small Steps, who has organised the Trekathon Greenrun 2016.

The event is set to happen at Prabalgad Fort, also known as Muranjan and Pradhangad. Located between Matheran and Panvel the hill stands at an elevation of 2300 feet in the Western Ghats.

“We have got all the required permission for the event and also have a lot of support from villagers of Prabalmachi and the Panvel Taluka Police department.

Among the participants who have already registered is Navneet Kaur who is increasingly growing impatient as the event day approaches. “This is something new that I had never heard of before and I am hoping that I can win the race. I have participated in other marathons but this seems way more challenging,” says Navneet, a professional engineer from Belapur, further adding, “Although the prospect of trekking up the hill seems exciting, I am a bit worried about the condition of the trails, since it’s monsoon, and the stones might be very slippery. So one has to be cautious, as well.”

Talking about the safety, Yogendra says, “We have partnered with Panacea Hospital, Panvel, which who will provide us with ambulance services and hospital care in case of emergency.”

Both Yogendra and Ravi Powar, left their comfortable jobs in the IT sector to start the adventure sport company, Small Steps. “The scope for adventure sports is growing in India and we would like to reach newer heights by introducing more such innovative sports,” says Ravi.

The “Adventure group”, comprising of five members, founded with a purpose “to make people aware of the environment around them. Spending time in the dense jungles of on the cliffs of Sahyadri is a once in a lifetime experience,” explains Ravi.

“The upcoming trekathon will put every skill of yours to the test, including patience and capability to make quick decision,” Ravi adds.

To register for Trekathon, log onto: www.trekathon.in On August 15, at Prabalgad Fort