Just after nightfall, the Sreebhumi Sporting Club will host the much-anticipated Manipal Sreebhumi Gold Marathon, kicking off amidst a flurry of last-minute preparations. The sporting club has been abuzz with activity, leaving no room for rest. Amidst the busyness, Samudra Bose, a key organiser of the event, spoke with anticipation. 

“You know how there's always a countdown before any race—10, 9, 8? That’s exactly what’s happening right now. It’s the hard work of so many days finally coming to life. Needless to say, I’m very excited. It will give me immense satisfaction if we can pull it off as planned.”

This year, the marathon has seen an overwhelming response with more than 8,500 registrations. Reflecting on this, Bose added, “So many people have joined us this year, which is a fantastic achievement. But with such a large number comes the responsibility of managing all the tactical and administrative aspects. It’s definitely a challenging job, but then again, if it wasn’t challenging, there would be no fun in it.”

When asked about the medical preparations for the marathon, Bose confidently assured that everything has been taken care of. “Yes, medical emergencies might occur during an event like this. But with Manipal as our title sponsor, we have ensured that all medical aspects are thoroughly covered. We have well-equipped ambulances stationed along the route as well as at the starting point. A team of doctors will also be present at the venue. We are very well prepared for any situation.”

Adding to the international flavour of the event, seven foreign runners are set to participate this year. Bose reflected on this development with pride. “When we started this marathon, it was with a vision—a vision that has no end but to grow. It’s amazing to see people not only from across the country but also from different parts of the world coming together to be part of this event. And, of course, the enthusiasm from Kolkata and the surrounding areas is truly remarkable.”

This year’s marathon also brings an additional incentive for participants, with the prize money being higher than in the previous two editions. As the countdown begins, the energy and anticipation surrounding the Manipal Sreebhumi Gold Marathon point to an unforgettable event ahead.