Introduction: 

In the picturesque coastal city of Kakinada, the annual Kakinada Sea Port Marathon was scheduled on  January 7th, 2024. The combination of waves crashing against the rocks and the backdrop of a sunrise adds a unique beauty to the route.  This year, we the members of Vizag Runners, a group of passionate individuals from Visakhapatnam, joined the event. Little did I know that this marathon would be about more than personal records and being part of the success story of another fellow runner.

The Scenic Run along the coast: 

The marathon started at the crack of dawn, with the sun rising above the sea, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the runners. Its a run along the beach road from Kakinada to the renowned Upada village  and back total of 21.1 km. Being a good scenic route it promised an unforgettable experience. What made it even more special was running just 10 feet away from the crashing waves, cordoned off by massive rocks.

Running Strong :

Running strong amidst the rhythmic sound of the waves, I was pacing through the miles with precision. The initial 5 km passed smoothly with my heart rate in check, setting the stage for a promising run. By the 16th kilometer, I was overtaking others, fueled by the determination to outdo every other  person ahead. However, a pivotal moment awaited at this juncture. Amid the race, a tired fellow runner came into view, Vasanthi. Having exhausted her energy, she was struggling to run and she needed water. I stopped to offer her water from the water bottle I was carrying. What unfolded next changed the course of my journey in the marathon.

Pacing Vasanthi to Victory: 

Realizing Vasanthi’s potential to be the podium finisher among the participating ladies, I decided to stay back and become her pacer. It was Vasanthi’s first marathon and she had no idea that she was leading among the women. The journey for her at that moment was not just about physical endurance but also a mental challenge to complete the last laps. I kept on encouraging her all through the course making her visualize standing on the podium in the very first marathon she participated. She needed a pair of shoes for running and thus I said lets now run the last mile for the new shoes.

“You are going to earn it for yourself.”

The Triumph of the finisher: 

The last 500 meters were a surge of energy and determination. Vasanthi, inspired by view of the finish line just meters away, crossed the finish line with arms raised high. I wanted to see the winning stride and thus slowed down a bit to be just behind her and enjoy her winning moment. My timing at finish line was irrelevant at that moment, I was happy that she completed the race strong.

A fulfilling journey:

Back from the run, the sense of fulfillment was immeasurable. Though Vasanthi could have won on her own, destiny gave me the opportunity to be a crucial part of her victory. The sense of satisfaction that I got when I saw her name in the top of the leaderboard can’t be expressed in words.

Conclusion: 

The Kakinada Sea Port Marathon became more than just a race for me, it was a narrative of shared victories. In the end, it wasn’t about personal records or podium finishes, it is about creating a community of support and making dreams come true. The satisfaction of being there for Vasanthi until the last step was the ultimate reward, proving that in the journey of a marathon every step counts, especially when taken together.