Salwan run: Marathon with a 'special' touch

Come Sunday, students from all over India will converge into the Capital for the 17th Salwan Cross Country Run. One of the largest sporting events of the country for school children, the run, presented by HT, will see some 40,000 students chasing titles in different races at the Cantonment area.

Come Sunday, students from all over India will converge into the Capital for the 17th Salwan Cross Country Run. One of the largest sporting events of the country for school children, the run, presented by HT, will see some 40,000 students chasing titles in different races at the Cantonment area.

HT Image

The annual event has grown both in stature and popularity over the years, and this edition will also see intellectually challenged students (boys and girls) putting on their running gear to race over a distance of 3.5km.

Of the 40,000 students the race organisers are expecting on Sunday in various age groups, over 1,600 shall compete in the handicap category, which includes visually impaired. This novel gesture will give everyone a chance to compete and perform.

Since the visually impaired students will require help to navigate through the race course, the organisers have roped in volunteers to prepare such students for the big day. "People from all walks of life are devoting time and energy to help the weaker section of the students to enjoy the weekend run," said Inder Dutt Salwan, trustee Salwan Education Trust and race director.