The BRITISH 10K London Run

30,000 of us occupied most of central London streets this morning. Almost all of us ran 10K. Each of us ran for different charities but then we all were bound by one cause- Charity.

I ran with 9 other TCSers for Pratham. It is my second 10K run in london. I was very proud this time around because it is for charity. I have already collected GBP 100 through Just Giving which directly goes to this NGO that has the goal of sending every child in India to school by 2010.

The organiser tells me that my 10K and GBP 100 means at least 10 more students will be able to complete at least a year each in school. I wish, i could run forever…

This simple arithmatic and Sanjay Pal’s lead (colleague in TCS) made us three (Sanjay, Viji and Self) collect GBP 1500 from our sites and cash collection in office.

First time when Mohit (iima classmate) told me about 10K run, i thought- not my cup of T. But then its not that difficult, i must say.

The Race route was meant to be London Darshan. While running eavry km, we could one of London’s top attraction. London Eye, Trafalgar square, Tower Bridge, Westminister, Cabinet War Room and Downing Street. There was more to it.

The Run was very well organised to say the least. We reached the start point some 30 min before the strat. Kept the baggage in the safe, used one of the rows of toilets, collected some Lucozed from the sponsor and reached the start line.

After every two km there were sponsors with bottles of water and lucozed. There were police vans and red cross ambulances. Not to forget there were music bands every km to cheer up the runners. It was all too good to miss.

I had opportunity to catch up with some co-alums (Dabke and Solapurkar) and got introduced to dedicated, committed volunteer bunch.
It was great being just one of the 30,000 people who shared the Goal- Run for Charity. I am sure you agree—It was all more than a days worth!!! 67 min, 10K, GBP 100 and at least 10 students get to study for at least a year more.

Please let me know, next time you hear of a charity Run!