5 reasons why one should run the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon, 2016

After a successful run in 2015, The IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon is set to be held in Kolkata on 6th March, 2016. The City of joy will witness the boundless enthusiasm of thousands of runners and fitness enthusiasts from all age groups. In 2015, over 15,000 participants woke up bright and early to run in the Kolkata Marathon. The IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon, 2016 promises to be even bigger and better. Runners all over are geared to #RunforKolkata.Here are 5 reasons you need to run the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon:

#1 The scenic vistas

The marathon will run across the Park Street in Kolkata

Kolkata has one of the richest cultural and historical heritages in the country. But the city is clogged with traffic 24/7, and one rarely gets to appreciate it in its glory. The IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon is the only time of the year that one gets to jog through the city uninhibited.

With the traffic being cordoned off, runners will have a chance to view the city up close. The marathon, Kolkata’s only full marathon, runs through the heart of the city. One can appreciate the beautiful, scenic vistas and stunning views of some of India’s most historic sites in Kolkata.

#2 Running for a cause

The funds received from the marathon will be put to very good use

The IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon will be held for a good cause. Runners will be directly contributing towards helping India’s athletes, as the run is being held to improve the standard of athletics in India.

The prize money of the event will be set aside only for Indian runners. A lot of marathons see the prize money divided as top runners from other countries come to run as well, but the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon is set to give Indian athletes a fairer opportunity to compete and win.

#3 Witness and join the fitness community

Running still remains one of the best ways to remain fit

There is a prominent fitness culture in West Bengal, one which is not always visible unless you dig very deep. Running groups in the city are not as well populated as one would hope for as they are slightly scattered. One can be forgiven for thinking that the city isn’t as obsessed with fitness as one would like.

One would be severely wrong in that assumption when turning out for the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon. You can come out and meet like-minded individuals and foster bonds which are forged training together.

This is also a golden opportunity to get a non-runner to start up on their delayed new year’s resolution and start jogging.

#4 Run for the Spirit of Kolkata

The Adda culture is unique to The City of Joy

The marathon is being run for the spirit of Kolkata – its culture, its history, and its iconic Addas (gathering), which are a part of the city’s very identity.

When there’s a discussion, an issue to talk about, there is an Adda. The quintessential Kolkata adda encompasses physical company. They are a constituent of the very fibre of the city and this year, among other things, the marathon is being run for the addas of the biggest city in Eastern India.

One can witness a unique form of adda in the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon.

#5 Leander Paes and IDBI Federal

The presence of Leander Paes will draw a large crowd

India’s most prolific athlete and sports-investing company will be organizing this marathon. Over the years the Kolkata Marathon has evolved with its logistics, route, planning and celebrities who come out for the cause. This year promises to be even better.

Leander Paes spent a lot of time as a youngster in the city, studying in La Martiniere. Calcutta. He also attended St. Xavier’s College and there is no doubt that his involvement in this marathon will make a great difference with regards to giving the people of the city the motivation to come out and run.

IDBI Federal Insurance has played a key role in the development of sports at a stage where it is most important- the grassroots. Along with the upcoming Kolkata marathon, the organisation has also tied up with the Spice Coast Marathon in Kochi and the New Delhi Marathon. and also supports all the endeavours of the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB).

You can be assured that the IDBI Federal Life Insurance Kolkata Marathon will be the best version of it so far.