Tuesday, August 19, 2014

HSR 10K Freedom Run 2014


2nd Edition of HSR 10K Freedom Run was organized on 15th Aug 2014 at HSR layout, the event attracted over 400+ runners from 8-60 years who came from all over Bangalore, some even came from Hosur.

The runners braved a cold morning and started assembling at the venue from 5:30am. After a spirited warm up led by two runners Mr. Sushil Bhasin and Mr. Charan (barefoot runner), the runners lined up at the start point and sang the National Anthem and then the run was flagged off by Smt Sunanda Reddy, Founder President of Mythri Mahila Koota.

With the pilot vehicle ahead, the runners were trailed by an ambulance, courtesy Green View Hospital who were the Medical support partners for the run. Over 20 volunteers posted all through the route ensured that the runners were safe on the road, they managed the traffic and gave a safe passage for the runners.

The Chief Patron and a great supporter of the ‘HSR 10K Freedom Run’ brand, Shri Kupendra Reddy MP RS, could not attend the event due to prior appointments. Shri Urgappa MLC graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Ms Kavitha Reddy, the Trustee of Kaagaz Foundation used the occasion to mention about the Agara Lake campaign and Shri Urgappa’s unequivocal and unparallel support for revival and rejuvenation of Agara Lake.

Gift vouchers of Rs 1500-3500 were given out by Vasan Dental Care; they were also the Health partners for the event. The winners were awarded with Medals, Certificates and the cash awards of Rs 3000, Rs 2000, Rs 1000 for Girls & Boys category winners and Rs 7000, Rs 5000, Rs 3000 for Men & Women category winners.

The stars among the runners were the young children who ran a spirited race and stunned everyone in the audience. Among the women, Ms Neera Katwal who clocked her personal best was delighted by her personal achievement. Second place in the women’s category was won by Japanese national Ms Hiromi Nishiyama. The men’s category threw out some surprises with the lead runners being disqualified for taking the wrong route, in all it was a very closely contested race.

A donation of Rs 15000 was handed over to the HSR, Sector-1 RWA on behalf of Kaagaz Foundation by Shri Urgappa towards the betterment of Parks and Tree Plantation in HSR Layout Sector 1. On this occasion, Special invitee Ms Sushma Gubbi from City Plus was honoured for the local media contribution towards raising several issues that are also represented and taken up by Kaagaz Foundation.

Winners of the 2nd edition of HSR 10K Freedom Run:

Girls 5K
1st Yashaswini Srikanth
2nd Saharsha
3rd Roshini Ravi

Boys 5K
1st Theejas
2nd Joseph P
3rd Anirudh Shastry

Men 10K
1st Govindan, time 35:40
2nd Kupendra, time 35:41
3rd Tarun, time 36:10

Women 10K
1st Neera Katwal, time 45:06
2nd Hiromi Nishiyama, time 45:59
3rd Divya Vasishta, time 52:37

After the run, the runners were given refreshments and also collected their participation certificates. Kaagaz Foundation team promised to come back next year with a bigger number and with timing chip option for all the runners. The cause that was taken up this year was Greener Bangalore and Healthier Bangalore, and Ms Suman Srinidhi Director of Kaagaz Foundation spoke about the campaign and awareness programs that the organization will be taking up for the next 12 months.

The event that witnessed a spirited participation which is now a brand event of HSR Layout concluded without any glitches, promising to come back for the next year edition. The Traffic police and HSR Police ensured a complete support for a well co-ordinated event.