• A woman from Kankurgachi, who took to running to lose weight and has since been wedded to fitness
• A farmer from Meghalaya
• A homemaker from Alipore
• An athletics coach from Siliguri
Women from all walks of life and various places in India took part in multiple race categories in the eighth edition of Tata Steel Kolkata 25K, partnered by The Telegraph on Sunday.
The active participation of women has been integral to the growing stature of TSK, race organisers said.
On Sunday morning, Kankurgachi resident Neha Saha was spotted warming up with a couple of friends in the holding area before the start of the 10K race.
“This is the first time that I am participating in a 10km road race. I run and work out in the gym regularly. Running has helped me lose a lot of weight that I had gained in the last few years,” said Saha, who finished 10K in one hour, 18 minutes and 36 seconds.
Among the participants was a running group from Meghalaya. Thling Wanniang, 60, a member of the group, is a farmer. In fact, most members of the group are farmers.
“Hard work is an inseparable part of our daily lives. Distance running needs a different preparation, but the grind and determination remain the same,” said Wanniang. “We have been a part of TSK since 2016. It is the biggest race in eastern India and closest to our home,” said Wanniang, who has participated in multiple editions of the Mumbai Marathon as well.
If Wanniang credited farm work as one of the keys to her grit and determination to cross the finish line, Sonal Mansatta, 70, a homemaker from Park Street, said her regular morning walks in the Red Road area helped boost her self-confidence.
“I had never taken part in the 10km category although I have participated in 5km runs. I decided to take a shot at 10K because I walk almost every day. And I managed to finish the run,” said Mansatta.
Former sportspersons and fitness coaches were among the women at the start-line of the 10K race.
Among the participants in the 10K race were Rita Biswas, 39, from Ranaghat; Sima Chakraborty, 35, from Siliguri; and Mana Joardar, 20, from Bolpur.
The common thread among the three women is sports. Biswas and Chakraborty had represented their districts in more than one track and field events. Joardar is an upcoming runner. The first two now train youngsters in their hometowns.
The three meet in district-level athletics meets. “We have run in other races in Kolkata in the past. But this is going to be our TSK debut,” said Joardar, minutes before the 10K run.
