ECR Run # 5 - A Report

We had the largest participation ever in our nascent ECR Run program. For starters, this is our fifth ECR Run and we have been doing this roughly once a quarter. Before this, bunch of us (Hari, Shumit, Shahid, Vidyuth & I) used to run till Muttukadu from Dimensions.

Thanks to Vidyuth (or is it Ayut?), here is a photo essay of our run. Thanks for the great pictures Vidyuth, but next time we would like to see you rather run.. (I might volunteer..!!!)


At the starting point. We assembled at the MGM entrance around 5:00 AM when the Sun was still on its way to the Indian shores. There was less light..but the place was high in energy.. we had over 35 runners rearing to go..


We had media coverage from Decan Chronicle this time. I was mildly surprised to get a call from Nandakumar of DC asking for details about the run late Saturday. It is encouraging to see our group getting some media attention. We have been covered by The Hindu & India Today and possibly by Mylapore Times and Business World in the coming months. I hope these things help us reach the goal of 1000 by 10 (ie., a membership and active participation of 1000 runners by 2010 - btw, what do you think of this goal? Is it audacious?)


Thilesh, a first time runner with us ran the entire 30 kms. Though he looked like he was going fall apart any minute, he didn't quit.. Good show Thilesh. (Thanks to Shahid for the Gatorade supply.. that really helped everyone)


KP Suresh & Tiger around 10K mark


At the 10K mark - Sundar, Shyam & SriVatsan - Hey guys.. do you need more water?


Kids having a curious look at the runners. Some kids even gave me company for a few yards which was kind of cool.


Karthik decided to volunteer this time along with Shahid, Mohan, Sangeetha, Vidyuth and Velu. These guys were great. They were there when we needed them and encouraged us to push through. Thanks Guys..


Enjoying a sumptuous breakfast at MGM Resorts. This time MGM gave us a separate spot where we could relax and be more casual. (Thanks to KK for doing the arrangements with MGM).


All smiles after the run. (Mohan, Karthik & KK you guys are running the next one.. !!!)

In all, it was a great run. I thoroughly enjoyed the run and the camaraderie of the fellow runners. Personally it was the best ECR Run for me. I did little over 30K in 2:57 which is the personal best.

Once again, A big thanks to the Volunteers. Your enthusiastic helped us more than you could imagine. Thanks for being there!!!

I request and encourage the other runners to post their thoughts and pictures of the run. That would enrich this discussion a lot more..

More pictures in flickr

With ECR Run # 5 behind us.. here is the curtain raiser on our next exciting run.. We will be doing a run in the Elagiri hills.. more details in the coming weeks..