PUNE: Young school children enthusiastic about attending the Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon 2019 at the Balewadi Stadium on Sunday were a sight to behold.
While most participated in 3km, many also participated in the 10km and 5km category.
Right from Nursery to Class 10, students' participation matched the energy levels of adults -- sometimes surpassing it.
Teachers accompanied some of their students during the run. Despite having the pressure of preparing for board exams, Std 10 students matched the pace of some of the best in the category.
Atharva Kale, Class 3 student from Sarhad High School, Katraj, whose father was participating in the 21-km run. "My father told me that running is fun. So, I also wanted to run. I am running with my elder brother this time."
Teachers from PMC-run schools like Sopanrao Katake School in Baner, Baburao Balwadkar School in Balewadi and the eight schools from Camp Education Society participated in the 3-km run.
Maya Chavan, a teacher from PMC School No 151 in Baner had run in this marathon in 2018 as well.
"It is a one-time fun opportunity that we get every year to participate in a marathon. This year also, my colleagues have participated in the marathon," said Maya Chavan.
Chavan's colleague, Khushi Pawar moved base from Washim to Pune for a better job opportunity, said the city has introduced her to running as a fun activity.
Manasi Adhav, teacher from Motilal Talera English School in Moshi said though they teach the children about running, participating here in the marathon gave the teachers a practical lesson.
"We teach children about running and marathon and what is warming up and stretching. But today we had an overall practical experience," said Manasi Adhav, teacher from Motilal Talera English School.
