Facing the challenges, many women have been competing in marathons across the country. After seven years of running, 30 marathons and more than 12 podium finishes, Sayuri Dalvi no longer feels her son’s autism is a handicap.
They have broken through the glass ceiling to enter board rooms, head financial institutions, juggle domestic responsibilities to teach IITians and even overcome the grief of autism that inflicted their children. These women have gone ahead and competed in marathons and ultra-marathons.
Hyderabadis will have an opportunity to applaud and celebrate the accomplishments of such women amateur runners, who have managed to multitask and strike a balance between work, domestic life, ailments, family bereavements and other challenges with running. And some of them are highly recognisable in the Indian running circuit with numerous podium finishes to their credit. Take for instance, Vaishali Kasture, MD of a US global investment banking firm in Bangalore. First amateur women runner from India to qualify for Boston Marathon, finishing on the podium has become a second nature for her.
“This is my fourth straight year in Hyderabad marathon. Since this is the starting of running season, I am doing a half-marathon. Balancing running and then fulfilling the role of professor in Chemical Engineering at IIT (Madras) and handling children has become a part of life for Preeti Aghalayam. “I just love running and it definitely helps you keep fit and refreshed. I never miss Hyderabad because of its pleasant weather and the marathon route, which is challenging,” says Preeti.
After seven years of running, 30 marathons and more than 12 podium finishes, Sayuri Dalvi no longer feels her son’s autism is a handicap. “Women should prioritise and think what they want from their lives,” she says.
Turkish Consul General to participate
The Turkish Consul General for India, Murat Omeroglu, is hoping that weather in Hyderabad remains cool on August 24 when he will take part in the Hyderabad marathon. This is the first time that the Consul General is running a half-marathon in Hyderabad. Last year, he did his first half-marathon in Berlin, Germany in 2.08 hours.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by M. Sai Gopal / Hyderabad – August 23rd, 2014