Marathon Moments

"GiveLife Chennai Marathon is the greatest marathon in the world in terms of numbers" - Union Sports Minister M. S. Gill.

"This has given us hope and confidence about our own place. I am really proud of my city"- Ms. Kanimozhi Karunannidhi M.P

"We expected thousands to run but this is in lakhs. But did not expect this to happen"- Surya, Actor.

"It's a great event never seen by Chennai before" - Fr. Jegath Gaspar.

Chennai witnessed the richest and biggest marathon on August 31, 2008. A huge one lakh seventy thousand people turned out in its sporty best for the give life Chennai marathon on August 31, 2008.

Thousands of Chennaites ran for the cause of underprivileged children, when they participated in different categories of the GiveLifeChennai Marathon, organized by Tamil Maiyam and Goodwill Communications.

The marathon began near the Island grounds entrance on Anna Salai ended at Gandhi Statue on the Marina. The 21.09 km half marathon for professional athlete, 7 km city run, 3 Km run for senior citizens and 500 meters run for the physically challenged.

Participation of school children, senior citizens, celebrities and corporates in large numbers surpassed the expectations and made it a major triumph.

Runners from around the country came to showcase their endurance, activitists came to create awareness and ordinary citizens came to challenge themselves to a grueling run and many others came just to have fun.

Varied causes such as fitness, disability, environmental issues, and organ donation were patronized in this cause. It was a run that promoted every aspect of health- physical, mental, social well being.

In all, the war memorial saw tens of thousands gather to participants in the Chennai marathon. Rajya Sabha MP and DMK leader Kanimozhi, Chennai City Police Commissioner R. Sekar, actors Suriya, Napolean and several corporate bigwigs participated in the event.

And as in marathon in cities across the world there was a hearty crowd, band music to cheer the participants from the start to the finish.

Winners were celebrated at the end of the marathon. Heart went out to the young man who died while running for a good cause. A compensation of Rs 3 lakhs has been awarded to his family.