Rice over pasta for elite runners
Rice is normally considered a no-no for weight-watchers. However, it was interesting to see the supremely-fit elite African athletes yesterday fill their plates with rice for lunch ahead of today’s Mumbai Marathon. The Saturday before a Marathon is known for its pasta party since the dish is rich in carbohydrates which is a necessity for distance runners. However, few know that most elite runners prefer rice over pasta. “Rice is a very common diet among most of us because it has a lot of carbs (carbohydrates). Pasta also has carbs but we don’t get pasta anywhere and everywhere. Rice is more easily accessible,” Kenyan elite runner Patrick Korir told SUNDAY MiD DAY even as he preferred to have a rice-rich lunch at the athletes lounge rather than the pasta party.

Through MiD DAY’s timely intervention, tea vendor Ashok Patil’s wish to run the half-marathon was fulfilled. He is seen collecting his bib. Pic/Atul Kamble