Simple Steps Fitness Children’s Marathon- A Run for Happiness
Simple Steps- A run for Happiness, recently celebrated its 08th edition on 3rd December 2023, in the picturesque environs of the Pune university, an ideal atmosphere for running , surrounded with natural beauty.
The event is led by Mr. Ashish Kasodekar, a Pune based multi-faceted passionate sportsman, a renowned ultra –runner and a Guinness Record holder. Having completed remarkable feats such as running 60 marathons in 60 days and conquering the world’s cruelest marathon, La Ultra, there is hardly a race in the world that is beyond his endurance.
Running is the basic of all the sports and to foster love for running and embrace fitness, Simple Steps was introduced in 2015, a marathon exclusively for children. The idea behind simple steps is to give a feel of accomplishment at a very young age, as running is the only sport where every finisher is rewarded with a medal. This definitely helps in boosting self belief, confidence and approach towards life.
The event included participants across age groups from 2 years to 15 years, participating in 100m to 7km categories and as usual there was a flurry of participants from Vidya Valley. The highlight of the event was 100m run wherein the adorable little kids were running along with their parents.
At the crack of dawn also, everyone undoubtedly, was full of energy and was eager to bolt in excitement. During the event, multiple fun activities were planned and Vidya Valley children interacted with many of the other participants from various schools, which truly enhanced their social skill and self-confidence. During the course of run, everything was systematically organized and the experience was amazing.
Simple Steps is happiness with responsibility and that’s the reason they had time chip for all the participants to help them analyze their performance and better the same next year. After the event, the participants posed happily at the finisher booth with the medals slung around their neck.
Vidya Valley’s unwavering commitment to a better school experience, not only motivated their own students by especially arranging a kiosk to celebrate each and every participant, but also encouraged the children across age groups by sponsoring the trophies and supporting the entire cause.
It was an emotional moment to witness the “Vivek Gupta Trophy” presented to Abhipsha by Mrs. Nalini Sengupta, our very own principal, in the honour of our beloved Vivek sir. This profound moment made us feel proud of our value system which extends far beyond anything else. We are grateful to simple steps for making it feasible and memorable.
To conclude, everything is difficult and everything is easy and it’s all about taking a step.
Change begins with a single step and to create stories, legends, what is required is just a simple step.
Ahaan Sabharwal
Class 5D
