It's a hard-hitting sunny afternoon, on a lonesome road, while driving fast to reach a message to the key aid station Galkund, I screeched brakes of my bat-mobile, stopped and got out all in one action, seeing a runner on his knees, facing towards the woods in the valley, on a milestone, which would be around 37 km in a 50K grueling run through the forest of South Dangs, that happened on the cusp of 2018-19, the Ultra extravaganza called SUMMIT 4.0.
Worried to the brink of panic, I jumped across the road without looking both sides and went on close to him, who looked like a short and slim typical runner-like shape, trying to take out the contents of the stomach which seemed to be the most difficult task at that moment of time for him. His limbs unable to move, and head was thrown down in total fatigue, he looked over his shoulder with great effort, only to look at me for a second from the corner of his eye, and then threw back his head down in turmoil of what was happening to him, not believing in any prospects of helping him that I had brought with myself.
My asking him was unnecessary as my assumption of him quitting was almost certain, seeing him in that condition. He was totally down and out.
Well, down for sure, but out? No.
He turned back, with elbows on his knees and head still down in disdain, asked me, "Haju ketlu baki chhe? (how much is still left?)"
I clearly sensed the agony and frustration in his voice. Agony must be of the inability to move his body like he always does on the course of any race, and frustration of not being able to understand what was happening, maybe!
Maybe he was bonking for the first time!
I immediately told myself that I am asking him to quit and to sit in the car and rush him to nearest aid station Jakhana. And before I could put that thought into motion, he stood up!
I inadvertently took a step ahead to hold him, and he confidently gave me a wry smile, took the water bottle from my hand, gulped a good amount, and expressed his thankfulness with his bright whites of the eyes and started walking towards the finish.
I was left alone as I watched him climb the next rolling hill, walking and slowly pick up a trot that soon became a canter when he approached the next mound.
He vanished.
Was that it? I immediately felt the worthlessness of my way of thinking of having him considered the quitter! Though It was the happiest loss at the judgment ever, it took a couple of moments to sink in. My ego, if you can call it for better understanding, had taken a hit, as at the start of this few seconds of experience, I was naturally thinking of myself on the giving side, now left wandering alone, on the receiving side. The volunteer in me, who was in overwhelmingly helping mode, had just been overwhelmed by the look of the eyes of that respectful contempt towards my unexpressed offer to him to quit.
This is the second most thought-provoking experience that I had after the first one being at the SUMMIT 1.0, when the two galloping runners flew by me and vanished on the halfway mark to their glide to finish of the Full Marathon.
His name is Ravi, a young chap from Bardoli, known as the "barefoot from Bardoli", and is one of the many prodigies that the historic land of Barodli holds in the treasure. Eager to prove his mettle in sports, he is looking ahead to a promising career in running, along with many alike, who are natural runners, and all they seek is a chance.
Bardoli marathon is not just another marathon, but a platform for such raw talents to show up. A chance where these jewels can chance their glitter to be showcased, and then be on course to make India proud by pursuing the sport.
Don't look at his attire as he doesn't have an usual one but adorns the proud Bardoli runners logo, don't look at his hair as its different, and never look at his shoes, as he hardly needs any.
Just look at that look in the eyes, displaying the iron will to take on the challenge and finish what is started, which is quite representative of the iron will that the land of Sardar Vallabhbhai holds true.
How can I miss running the Bardoli Marathon.? And how can anyone miss running the Bardoli Marathon,? An event intended towards beholding the spirit of the iron will, of Ravi and so many alike.
See you in Bardoli on 17th Feb 2019. The Bardoli Marathon, a run I cannot miss.
