Interior designer on 100km run to inspire youngsters

A passion for running and fitness and a message for a healthy heart are the factors inspiring Rajesh Vadgama, 44, to complete a 100km run in the city on Sunday. HT reports.

A passion for running and fitness and a message for a healthy heart are the factors inspiring Rajesh Vadgama, 44, to complete a 100km run in the city on Sunday.

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Vadgama, an interior designer and fitness enthusiast, will set off from the Borivli National Park at 4am and head to Nariman Point where he will shuttle between NCPA and Mafatlal Bath to complete the 100km target.

The Goregaon resident has been participating in the full marathon (42km) since the first Mumbai marathon in 2004.

This year, ahead of World Heart Day, which is observed on September 29, he will run to motivate youngsters to take up running as an exercise. “Running is the cheapest form of exercise and improves one’s cardiovascular system and is also an effective stress buster. I want to inspire youngsters to stay healthy,” said Vadgama.

Vadgama will be joined by Kalina resident P Venkatraman, 54, A major bypass surgery in 2007 has only strengthened Venkatraman’s resolve to lead a physically fit life. The BPO director will run a distance of 21km to spread awareness about fitness.

“If you are a heart patient that doesn’t mean you should stay inactive. One can be extremely active and can fully recover even after the surgery,” said Venkatraman.

Another heart patient, Neral resident Sunil Fadia, 44. completed the half marathon (21 km). “I wanted to prove to myself and people around me that I can do anything under the sun,” said Fadia.

“What the runners are doing is extremely inspiring for the city. When a person is physically active he saves himself from chronic diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes,” said Dr Ashish Contractor from Asian Heart Institute, which is a medical partner for the run.