Testimonials from people around the world

In 2018, My fellow runners and I from Striders Miles, Mumbai, were in Goa to participate in the DRGM. This was the fourth time I was going to participate in this wonderfully picturesque marathon. The quaint northern district of the town was the perfect setting, where impeccable arrangements were made for us to stay, relax and prepare for the marathon. On November 3, we started our day with our customary warm up and a 5k run along the designated route in the morning. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and we could spot preparatory work for the marathon in progress. The stretch we ran was covered by large trees on both sides of the road, providing comforting shade. We were all pepped up.

Later in the day, we first went on a trip to the sports complex built by Dr. Ramani on a scenic hilltop and then proceeded on a sightseeing tour in the afternoon. We were all in the right spirit for the next day’s marathon. After an early dinner, we retired to sleep. After all, an exciting morning was waiting for us.

We got up early morning on November 4 as we had to get ready and travel to Bhausaheb Bandodkar Ground, Ponda, the start and finish point for the marathon. After having our pre-dawn breakfast and tea, we boarded the bus for the venue. A pleasant experience was to spot a few Kenyan and Ethiopian runners running all the way from the town to the venue! The ground was teeming with runners, around 2000, not only from across India but also from different parts of the world including Kenya, Ethiopia, Germany and Switzerland to name a few. The environment was electric with Zumba warm-ups and workouts organised by different groups. Finally, at 5:15 am, we all stood at the start line, waiting for the clock to turn to 05:30. Amid the sound of the drums and the euphoria, I set off the mark and slowly trotted outside the ground to the main track. It was a beautiful morning, accentuated by the greenery of Ponda. The route was quite undulating. As the day broke, I started feeling the humidity. Thankfully, there were plenty of aid stations with active volunteers who took care of our on-route hydration and nutrition needs. The route winded through the town, beautiful villages and paddy fields. On the way back from half-way mark, I found the route challenging as there were quite a few long up slopes. I was delighted to see the ground entrance and finished my run in 2 hours 6 minutes. There was a cheering crowd in the ground and every finisher was promptly given the medal.

Post run arrangements were extensive — right from a hot breakfast to goody bags. The event concluded with a grand prize ceremony.

An exceedingly well arranged marathon, DRGM has truly become an international event. Kudos to the organisers and I wish this event to grow from strength to strength.

DRGM is a unique marathon that I’ve been participating in, for the last 7-8 years. A small town near Ponda, Goa, is Dr. Ramani’s native place and he has this burning desire to serve the people of that locality. He has donated his house and made a library here, as well as started a gymnasium. A cricket stadium is also being developed. He is loved by the villagers and you can see the respect for Dr. Ramani in their eyes.

Dr. Ramani is the organiser of this annual marathon. It’s a 21 km event starting from Ponda, going to the outskirts on the route of small villages, a river, beautiful fields and plenty of trees. It’s a very pleasant route, with the marathon ending back at Ponda. There is also a 10 km and 5 km run. He is a wonderful host, be it transport from the airport and railway station to the hotel, stay at the hotel, food, local site visits, party on the Friday night — everything is very well organised. Saturday morning, a 5 km practice run is also arranged. Bibs and T-shirt distribution is professionally done. On the day of the marathon, early morning transport is arranged from the hotel to the starting venue. Once there, tea and water are made available. Every year, Zumba dancers are invited for warm-up exercises. Timing chips are attached to each bib and at several locations, time is recorded. On the route, water, energy drinks, fruits, salts etc are made available. Every kilometre is marked for runners. There are photographers at various locations clicking great pictures. At the end, finishers are greeted and a hot breakfast is served. Various prizes are given by some leading dignitaries from Goa. It’s a very well organised event and I am fortunate to be part of it.