75-yr-old in saree, heart-patient hubby showstoppers at marathon

Bokaro: Over 2,500 people took part in Bokaro malf-marathon organized at the Mohan Kumar Mangalam Stadium in the city on Sunday morning. Residents, including 40 senior citizens, enthusiastically took part in the run, braving the biting cold in the morning.
Baidhanath Prasad Gupta, an 87-year-old senior citizen and his 75-year-old wife Lilavati, wearing a saree, were among the showstoppers, who included prominent faces of the city and professional runners, at the event organised by Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL)
The Gupta couple not only ran in the five-km category but also registered their victory by reaching the finishing line in minimum time.
The state’s additional director general of police (Rail), Anil Palta, BSL director-in-charge Amarendu Prakash and other officers honoured the couple with medals and cash prizes. Dr Sunita Godara, the 1992 Asian Marathon Gold Medallist, was also present.
The marathon was conducted in 21 km, 10 km and 5 km segments for different age groups apart from a 2-km race for the specially-abled.
Attractive prizes were given to all three position holders of different categories for men and women. Moreover, all runners who finished the race within the stipulated time were given medals and certificates.
Prakash said, “This is going to be a signature event for Bokaro and will be organized every year.”
Gupta and Lilavati’s participation in the half-marathon is an inspiration for the elderly, especially for the retired staff of BSL. Gupta is a heart patient who underwent surgery to insert a stent about 10 years ago.
Their daughter and son-in-law also came from Ranchi and participated in the marathon.
Gupta said, “Every person should be aware of his or her health. Health is everything. Morning walks or runs are also like yoga which keeps you healthy. I jog at least five kilometres every morning and my wife regularly walks in our courtyard.”
Lilavati said she was very excited to take in the half marathon. Her son, Kishanchand who is the general manager (finance) at BSL, had told him about the marathon. Her daughter-in-law had got the registration done for them.