Call it a bittersweet finish or one that just exemplifies the adage, ‘so close yet so far’. Satara-born Kalidas Hirave may have bagged the second place in the inaugural edition of the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon yesterday,
Runner-up Kalidas Hirave (centre) alongwith winner Rahul Kumar Pal (left) and Damor Mohanbhai (right) pose with their medals after the inaugural IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon at Kala Ghoda yesterday.
Call it a bittersweet finish or one that just exemplifies the adage, ‘so close yet so far’. Satara-born Kalidas Hirave may have bagged the second place in the inaugural edition of the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon yesterday, but that’s not why the runner is distraught. What adds to the pain is that only three seconds separates Hirave (1:04:31) and the winner Rahul Kumar Pal (1:04:28).
Runner-up Kalidas Hirave (centre) alongwith winner Rahul Kumar Pal (left) and Damor Mohanbhai (right) pose with their medals after the inaugural IDBI Federal Life Insurance Mumbai Half Marathon at Kala Ghoda yesterday. Pic/Bipin Kokate
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Hirave, who pocketed Rs 37,000 for his achievement, was suffering from cramps during the last 100 meters, thus slowing down his pace considerably. He was leading the race till the last 100m.
‘Timing hurts’
“More than the loss in the prize money, the different in timing hurt me a lot. I will never forget this run. Henceforth, I will work more on my fitness and come back strongly. I dedicate this award to my father (Laxman Hirave) who died four months ago,” the 24-year-old told mid-day.
On the other hand Pal, currently employed at the Indian Army’s Sports Institute in Pune, wants to better his performance in the next run.
“I won the first place by a whisker, but I am confident I will improve my performance in the upcoming events,” Pal, who won a cash prize of R75000 said.
Damor Mohanbhai (1:05:01) from Gujarat occupied the third position. In all 25 elite participants took part in the race.
Legendry cricketer Sachin Tendulkar flagged off the races. The Little Master urged the audience to give fitness paramount importance.
“I will advise people to take care of their health. If we are healthy then the country will be healthy,” Tendulkar said.
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