World 10K: Fun on the run, message in costumes

BANGALORE: It was half past eight when chief minister BS Yeddyurappa reached the Sree Kanteerava stadium to inaugurate the fourth edition of the World 10K Bangalore.
He was greeted by around 7,500 runners at the starting point for the Open 10k event. Spurred by the enthusiasm of the crowd, the CM also joined the multitude in celebrating the joy of running, and completed half a lap at the stadium.He was joined by home minister R Ashoka and Sandalwood hero Ganesh. "I walk regularly in the morning. But today I enjoyed running," he said later.
Sheer enthusiasm was in the air on a day when the city's running enthusiasts hit the roads en masse - approximately 22,000 of them - on a humid Sunday morning, cheered by stars from Sandalwood, cricket and other sports.
Bollywood stars Rahul Bose and Gul Panag set the ball rolling leading the Open 10K race. "Personally I had a relaxed run. But Gul was terrific," Bose tweeted after the finish.
But there were runners like Jay Srinivasan who is a regular in Bangalore 10k. "I'm participating in the event for the third consecutive year. I request the organizers to give preference for serious runners next year. Those who run for fun hold our way often," said the 47-year-old who is planning to compete in the New York marathon too.
Senior citizens showed plenty of energy and cricketer Venkatesh Prasad was bowled over by their commitment as he applauded their feat.
Bangaloreans flaunted their unconventional, funky best at the event, particularly during the Majja Run. Using the costume competition as an excuse, they went out of their way to come up with over-the-top and innovative ensembles.
Among the many participants was this senior citizen who was doing it for the pure pleasure of being able to take a cause onto the road. Aruna Hemanth, 66, who ran the Senior Citizens' run, was a rather striking sight in her 'unique attire with a message'.
Dripping with costume jewellery, a doll strapped onto her back and a placard that read "Stop Dowry" taped across the front, she certainly caught everyone's eye. A housewife who is mother to two and grandmother to five, she urged all girls to flatly refuse any man who demanded dowry.
Another interesting, although obvious, choice was the theme of anti-corruption. "Corruption is the flavour of the season. It's the in thing right now! I am the most corrupt man in the country because you people kept quiet," said Radio jockey Raju, one of the winners of the costume competition at the event, when asked about the reason behind the choice of theme.
His costume was made completely of fake 1,000 rupee notes. He also had a bag with fake currency sticking out of it. "I'm representing a man who is literally neck-deep in corruption," he laughed pointing to the notes plastered on his collar. "I feel like the king of good times," he exclaimed, before hopping away with his cheque to pose for eager photographers.
The most innovative costume of the day, however, was that of Ajmal PM. His was a costume that's hard to describe - "It depicts a world invaded by plastic. I'm trapped in a plastic world," is what the genius behind the ensemble had to say.