BITS World 5k Run – A grand success!

The BITS World 5k Run 2012, saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of BITSians around the world. This year’s run, held in the memory of Prof Suresh Ramaswamy, had close to 350 BITSians from different batches- starting from the 60’s, to 2012, running in different cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune.

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As evident from the pictures, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We also reached out to a few runners and heard what they had to say about the run:

“The 5k run was a wonderful experience. I did not participate in the last years run. However after running this year, I believe that I was missing out on an interesting  aspect and look forward for the 5K  run next year. 🙂 “

– Nikunj Jha, ’05 batch

“I think you guys are doing a fantastic job not only in getting people out and getting to be active but also in bringing the community out in various parts of the world. Good job.”

– Manoj Sahai,  ’81 batch

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BITSAA chapters in major cities had also organized merchandise for the occasion. About 150 runners purchased BITS2Marathon t-shirts to commemorate the run. Our alumni also had some nice things to say about the merchandise:

“Merchandise was well designed – Can I have some more ?”

– R.K. Kaul, ’71 batch

“The t-shirt is comfortable. 😀 “

– Nikunj Jha, ’05 batch

We would like to thank everyone involved with the run, who helped in making it a grand success. Hope to see you at the next run 🙂

BITS World 5k Run: A word with Karthikeyan Vijayakumar (KK)

As a run up to the 4th edition of BITS World 5k Run, we interviewed Karthikeyan, who has been a regular feature of BITS World 5k Run for the last 3 years. He shared his experience from the past editions and a few tips for the first-timers.

Background info: 

Name: Karthikeyan V

Batch: 2000

Location: Chennai

Profile: Has been a sportsperson all through school / college and actively run / cycle / play cricket etc. Has officially run 3 marathons & over 25 half-marathons. Has cycled Bangalore to Chennai (350 km) in 2 days. Regularly plays cricket for his club team.

Q1. Could you briefly tell us about your BITS 5k run experience last year?

I have been running BITS 5k in Chennai for the past 3 years. Last year, 15 of us from different batches from the 70s/80s to the recent graduates came together to run. Some of us ran, some walked but all crossed the finish line . The post run camaraderie was fantastic, with the seniors telling us tales about their days in Pilani. I went back with many new friends!

Q2. How was running for BITS2MARATHON different from any other formally organized running event?

The BITS 5k Run helped me know the BITSians in my city better. This run has space for everyone, from the fast finishers to the walkers. I look forward to the post run discussions with everyone on ‘runner’s high’. The best part about this run is the ease with which all the BITSians come together, break ice and meet over the run.

Q3. Any tips/ message you have for the first-time runners participating in the 4th edition of BITS 5k run this year?

Don’t worry about the finish time. Run, Walk or Crawl…but finish 🙂 and stay regular with running, the rest of the year.

BITS World 5k Run 2012

“I’ve learned that finishing a marathon isn’t just an athletic achievement. It’s a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.” ~John Hanc

After 3 successful editions and over 200 BITSians sweating it out on the road together each year, BITS World 5K Run is back! The 4th edition of the BITS World 5K Run promises to be bigger and better than ever before. So put on your running shoes and brace yourselves for the adrenaline rush!

This year, the BITS2Marathon run will happen in the memory of  Prof. Suresh Ramaswamy. One of Prof.  SuRa’s distinctive traits was his constant encouragement of the aspirations of his students. This year’s run will celebrate his legacy, and champion the adoption of a healthy lifestyle among BITSians around the world.

A few tips for the first-time runners:

  • Eat right – Have a diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins and a little fat from all food groups.
  • Get a good night’s sleep before the race – Also, stay off your feet as much as possible the day before the race.
  • Always do the warm-up –  Dynamic warm-ups are the most ideal to facilitate blood flow to joints and muscles which help in early running
  • Drink lots of water – It is highly advisable to drink plenty of water before, during and after the race.
  • Be patient – Don’t get pulled along by stronger runners. Run at your own pace.
  • Lastly, remember the race is more about the fun than winning! 🙂

 Key information:

 Date: September 23, 2012, Sunday

Registration: http://www.bitsaa.org/?bits5krun_2012_reg

Certificates: All runners who register on the BITSAA website will get a participation certificate on completing the run.

The run is completely virtual. You are your own judge. You can run wherever it is convenient for you. If you don’t want to miss out on the laccha session, you can run with fellow BITSians in town. Your local coordinator will get in touch with you once you have registered.

Feel free to spread the word and invite as many BITSians as possible. If you have non-BITSian running buddies, feel free to invite them to jog along.

Scenes from previous runs around the world:

Runners at Singapore striking a pose

The student runners at Pilani

Run at Minneapolis

Mumbai Run

Delhi

The Delhi team at the run

Bangalore

Bangalore team after the run

About BITS2Marathon :

The BITS2Marathon group is a group for fellow BITSians and alumni to promote running within the BITSian community.  The main goal of this run is to motivate BITSians all around the world to bring running into everyone’s life and thereby a healthy lifestyle. You can find out more about the group at www.bits2marathon.com . Join our Mailing Group!