Terry Fox Run [Archives:2008/1131/Letters to the Editor]

Rajendra Aneja
[email protected]
My friends and colleagues in office laugh at me, because of the about 10,000 participants in the Terry Fox Run on 15th February 2008 in Dubai, I was the last one to complete the race. I started at 9.30 am and finished at 2 pm. By the time I finished, the organizers had folded their furniture, the stage was about to be dismantled, the start area was isolated. A salesgirl who was supposed to sell me a Terry Fox T-shirt, had also departed.

In the parking area, I was hoping to get a juice or a bannana. But even these vans had exhausted their stocks and were leaving. So, I had the dubious distinction of being the last participant, to complete the full race. My friends waited for me for over 2 hours.

Though my colleagues scoff at me, I derive satisfaction from another incident. In the 1968 Mexican Olympics Marathon, a Tanzanian, Stephen Akhwari, finished last, since he had had a fall. When he finished, it was pitch dark at the stadium. A few spectators and organisers were waiting. When asked why he had not retired, since there was no chance of winning, he replied, “My country didn't send me to start the race. They sent me to finish it! “”

I hope my friends