If you had asked me a couple of years ago whether I would voluntarily wake up at dawn to go for a run for several hours, I would have chuckled and rolled over in bed. And yet here I am, two marathons in, writing this on why more young Bangladeshis need to lace up and hit the road.
Marathons are not for star athletes or zany fitness crazies. They’re for people who are ready to test themselves— body and mind. And here’s a surprise: the long-distance running culture in Bangladesh is on the rise, and more young Bangladeshi people are finding the challenge worthwhile. But why, and why should you?
From couch to kilometres: Why young people are running
- A new fitness consciousness
Those are the days when the most common workout consisted of a five-minute stroll to the neighbourhood tea stall. With increasing awareness about health and fitness, youth are substituting late-night diners with early-morning jogs. Running does not cost anything, requires no equipment, and can be done anywhere. So why not?
- Breaking the monotony of city life
Dhaka traffic congestion will drain your energy out. Running and marathons are a welcome relief from monotonous day-to-day living. Picture this: gliding on an isolated highway early in the morning with the wind rushing past your cheeks. Sounds like a fantasy, doesn’t it? That is the wonder of running.
- Community and camaraderie
The best part of running isn’t the individual triumph; it’s the people. There is a thriving running culture in Bangladesh where runners support each other, share training tips, and celebrate victories as a group. It is a sport that turns strangers into friends and friends into running buddies.
The marathon boom in Bangladesh
If you think running marathons in Bangladesh is unheard of, then think again. From Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka, marathon runs are slowly but steadily becoming the way of life. The growing population of runners, from professionals to students, is proof that people are perceiving long-distance running as a sport and so much more. It’s a movement.
Organisations like the Bangladesh Marathon and other running clubs are hosting annual races, attracting thousands. The Cox’s Bazar Marathon, for instance, enables runners to run along the world’s longest unbroken sea beach while testing their endurance limits.
Why you should join the movement
- Discipline and resilience: Marathon training teaches you patience, perseverance, and mental toughness, habits that make you a rock in all aspects of life.
- Health benefits: Running improves cardiovascular health, burns calories, and boosts mental health. And post-run euphoria is the best!
- Bragging rights: Let’s be honest, bragging that you ran a marathon sounds way more impressive than “I binge-watched the entire Netflix show over one weekend.”
How to get started
- Begin small: You shouldn’t go from zero to marathon in one evening. Begin with shorter runs and work up distance.
- Find a runners’ club: Running is more fun (and motivating) with friends.
- Get signed up for an event: Having an aim keeps you accountable.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to swap those weekend couch sessions for something worthwhile. Get on your running clothes, tie your shoes, and let the road guide you. Who knows? You might just be the one inviting others to run towards a healthier future a year from now.