How I messed up Duathlon event organized by Avadi CyRuns

The Duathlon event was organized by Avadi CyRuns team where the big names were Mr. Vinith Kumar Vijayan and Mr. Raghav. I have been invited as a Guest by Vinith to flag off the event but I felt uneasy as I saw many passionate cyclists and runners participating at the event and me being an irresponsible person, why did they requested me to flag off the event?


An evening where I met great people:

This request has been made by Vinith when I met him at Pro-Bikers the other day, when I was there actually to meet Mr. Suresh Kumar. After hearing my accomplishment of cycling from Chennai to Delhi, Vinith brother got excited and he immediately wished me. The conversation went on for sometime and in between he shared about Avadi CyRuns team and all.


That evening it was raining heavily at OMR and in several other places of the city. Vinith was very kind to me (a total stranger at that time) and he helped me by loading my bicycle in the car's rear end and gave me a safe ride all the way to my home by driving patiently in the heavy traffic.


Duathlon event by Avadi CyRuns

The Duathlon event happened last Sunday, 22nd July 2018 at Nemilichery by 5:45 AM in the morning. I got up by 3:30 AM and prepared myself to reach the venue on time, thanks to Google Maps which helped me reach there on time by 5 AM. Vinith brother welcomed me and introduced me to few people out there and they joined him in welcoming me to the event. About the event, participants have to run 5 KM in the 1st leg, followed by a 20 KM cycling in the 2nd leg and then a 3 KM running for the 3rd and final leg.


I felt wonderful when people say that they have read my story and felt good. When I embarked on the 2200 KM journey, I didn't had much expectations but I am pleased to receive the RESPECT from people everywhere I go. What more one have to earn in life other than respect from others?


It was absolute pleasure to witness passionate athletes in distinct age group participating in the event and everyone of them have successfully finished it too. I saw equal enthusiasm in everyone's face where each one cheering another to keep pushing and keep progressing ahead. Father, mother and children running and cycling together in the event, that makes the family complete. Isn't it?

There is no concept of a competition or a race between each other in this particular event. A father was waiting after his first leg for his son, so that they could go together on the next leg. A husband finished all his running, and cycling in the event but yet after that he went back to join his wife just to let her know he is there. I truly believe moments like these builds the emotional bonding between one another without any need to utter any word.


Excited kids volunteered to welcome and cheer participants while they stop by the pit stops for refreshments and getting their Bib marked by organizers. Finished participants were eagerly waiting for the Pongal (Tiffin) moment, patiently waited till every single participant complete their run. Meantime they were having fun with fellow finishers by capturing selfies & candid moments.


Congratulations to all the athletes, seeing their grit and determination made me eager to attempt similar event someday in the near future. Best wishes to the organizing team & special mention to the way they educated the participants about food waste, and people efforts in making the event possible. The idea of using silver tumblers and recyclable plates were truly an eye-opener, as it reminded how cautious we need to be safeguarding our society and make a beautiful environment for everyone else.

Picture Credits: Sridhar Ramasundaram

Note: I didn't mess up anything at the event, it is just a Clickbait title :P

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