30x30 - a Great ECR Run

30x30
Let me start with a confession.. It was neither 30 kms nor 30 runners.. We were about 27 folks and ran close 28 kms. But, it was undoubtedly one of the best runs ChennariRunners have run.

Though we started a little late, the weather god was kind to us enabling most of us complete the course, run, walk or crawl. Besides weather, two things really helped us - enthusiastic bunch of volunteers and sumptuous breakfast at the finish line.

Thanks to a whole bunch of people who made it possible, without the camaraderie and the exemplary team spirit shown by this crowd, this run wouldn't have been such a success. From water to reflective stickers to volunteers to first aid it was great show of team spirit. Kudos to the entire team that made all this possible.




Vidyuth, our resident coach taking us through some simple stretches before the run. After parking our vehicles at Shahid's place, we assembled just south of toll booth for this exercise and that was also our starting point as well.


A group photo before we started. See the reflective stickers on the runners? It was a thoughtful idea by Ramesh Ponnuswami, a fellow runner. It was just INR 5 per person and was a great little safety widget given that we were starting when the Sun was yet to show up on Chennai shores.


Shumit crossing the Muttukadu bridge. I was simply following Shumit for a long time.


Gadge, Shahid, Shumit & Sivaram inching to Coral Surf restaurant - which was also our finish line.


Sivram, Vidyuth & Shumit relaxing after the run. The restaurant guys gave us ice, cold water (and not beer), towels.. this greatly helped sooth aching muscles.


Kiruba, Suprathik, Rajesh & Sundar - This gang of four was last the last bunch to arrive but were a determined lot. They didn't yield to the temptation of share autos and reached the finish line all the way by foot... Great showing guys..


A group snap at the finish line after a good breakfast at Coral Surf Restaurant.


ChennaiRunners returning back to the City. Thanks to Shahid for making his van available for this trek back to the city. In fact the van reached the finish line much ahead of all of us.


KK - whose leadership made this run a reality. From volunteers to first aid kit to finish line to breakfast to coordination.. KK took time from his busy startup to do it all. Thanks KK for your leadership.. much appreciated.

More pictures in flickr

Update #1
Route map through Garmin

KK on ECR Run