On 12 December 2010, when 306 runners ran a 21.1K half marathon barefoot in Mumbai (India), they created a world record. Guinness recorded it as the ‘Largest Barefoot Race'.
306 runners ran barefoot around Kharghar Central Park, near Bombay in western India on the 12th of December 2010.The run of 21.1 km comprised four laps around the expansive Central Park. Organised by the Barefoot Runners of India Foundation (BRIF), over 60 officials - pilots, lap scorers, time keepers, judges and referee closely monitored the race that started at 7 am. The weather, at its very best, helped.
Experts monitoring the run had expected the winner to finish at around 1:12 to 1:15 hours But Kamlya Joma Bhagat surprised,homing in at 1:10:03. First runner-up was Tangi Maruti Lalawde (1:10:10) and second was Prakash Shankar Dhasade (1:10:23). There were totally 155 finishers within the 2.5 hours cut off.
“The most satisfying thing was that there were no serious injuries, in spite of the boys running barefoot for about two hours,” said Anand Anantharaman, Managing Trustee of BRIF, who is himself an international marathoner, having run 12 marathons in various countries. “I was seriously concerned on this count,” added Anand, “So I myself ran barefoot with the tail-enders for 3 km, just to know what they undergo. Some of them poured water on their feet to cool down, but otherwise, they were fine. These runners have now convincingly proved to the world that Barefoot is not only possible, but fast and safe too.” Two medical ambulances kept in readiness thankfully saved their gas. And doctors on the spot had nothing else to do but cheer the runners.
Priyanka Patil, the winner amongst girls said, "Though this was our first barefoot marathon run, we all enjoyed it." Priyanka was right. The faces of the runners beamed the sentiment.
On 6th November 2011, this record is set to be broken at the same venue. More than 1000 barefoot runners are taking the field. When Anand Anantharaman met Barefoot Ted McDonald of 'Born to Run' fame in Seattle and told him about the 2011 run, Ted was all ears. Yes, Ted would be more than pleased to lead the run. So that's it. Barefoot Ted will lead the barefoot Half Marathon - 2011.. Book your place early. Pre-register at www.barefootrunnersindia.org.
306 runners ran barefoot around Kharghar Central Park, near Bombay in western India on the 12th of December 2010.The run of 21.1 km comprised four laps around the expansive Central Park. Organised by the Barefoot Runners of India Foundation (BRIF), over 60 officials - pilots, lap scorers, time keepers, judges and referee closely monitored the race that started at 7 am. The weather, at its very best, helped.
Experts monitoring the run had expected the winner to finish at around 1:12 to 1:15 hours But Kamlya Joma Bhagat surprised,homing in at 1:10:03. First runner-up was Tangi Maruti Lalawde (1:10:10) and second was Prakash Shankar Dhasade (1:10:23). There were totally 155 finishers within the 2.5 hours cut off.
“The most satisfying thing was that there were no serious injuries, in spite of the boys running barefoot for about two hours,” said Anand Anantharaman, Managing Trustee of BRIF, who is himself an international marathoner, having run 12 marathons in various countries. “I was seriously concerned on this count,” added Anand, “So I myself ran barefoot with the tail-enders for 3 km, just to know what they undergo. Some of them poured water on their feet to cool down, but otherwise, they were fine. These runners have now convincingly proved to the world that Barefoot is not only possible, but fast and safe too.” Two medical ambulances kept in readiness thankfully saved their gas. And doctors on the spot had nothing else to do but cheer the runners.
Priyanka Patil, the winner amongst girls said, "Though this was our first barefoot marathon run, we all enjoyed it." Priyanka was right. The faces of the runners beamed the sentiment.
On 6th November 2011, this record is set to be broken at the same venue. More than 1000 barefoot runners are taking the field. When Anand Anantharaman met Barefoot Ted McDonald of 'Born to Run' fame in Seattle and told him about the 2011 run, Ted was all ears. Yes, Ted would be more than pleased to lead the run. So that's it. Barefoot Ted will lead the barefoot Half Marathon - 2011.. Book your place early. Pre-register at www.barefootrunnersindia.org.
