A Fitting Reply by Nischal

Jumping into the fray.... Analogy Time!

Singapore hosts two triathlons: Aviva and Osim

Aviva: 1.9 km Swim, 90.1 km Bike, 21.1 km Run
Osim: 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10km run.

Both are called 'triathlons'.

So what's my point? I wholeheartedly empathise with most of you regarding reserving the nomenclature of marathon for only a 42.2km run. It hurts my sentiments, my ego, my sense of pride , or whatever. But what do I gain? More runners out on the street. At least for me, as a woman runner, that means less eveteasing and molestation, and more blessed indifference.

The key intention of these smaller runs across the nation is to get the concept of running popular. Hence, the end justifies the means. If declaring that you ran a marathon of 5 kms makes you proud and gets you off your butt and into groups like RFL, RGI and Hash, all I can say is On On!