CHENNAI: Enthusiastic joggers from all over the city converged at Olcott Memorial High School, Besant Nagar, on Sunday morning for the 2016 edition of Dream Run Half-Marathon, an annual event whose proceeds go to charitable causes. “The Dream Run Half Marathon is organised every year to promote the ideas of health and wellness among people, besides donating the proceeds to a charitable cause,” said Dinesh Victor, trustee, Dream Runners. “We also train people who want to run marathons by having camps months in advance.”
The half-marathon which began at 4.30 am was for 21.1 km. It began at Besant Nagar, turned around from Marina and finished at the start line. This year the proceeds from the run went to the Freedom Trust, which helps amputees obtain custom-made prosthetics. Each prosthesis costs around `18,000. This run will collect funds to help them get the prosthetics.
The half-marathon had close to 4,800 participants with more than 20% women. Moreover, 24 prizes were given away in different categories including for those above and below 40. Hundreds in bright red tees of Dream Run crossed the finish line. Around 7 am, there was a special run by people with prosthetic legs and they were cheered by the participants. The finish line saw people enjoying the weather even as the prizes were distributed and popular film songs including Neruppu Da blared over the speakers. Several broke into an impromptu jig and celebrated with selfies.