Running On Green Energy

The idea behind a gym is basically people wanting quick workout sessions in their busy schedules. This has worked out its purpose at large but it has taken away something very significant: the true essence of sports. People have forgotten that traits like team spirit and collective work are inspired by sports. Furthermore, the collective belongingness and enjoyment that sports had to offer through games and athletics is now missing. We are also missing out on ‘connecting with nature’, which was the real purpose of outdoor sports.

So, what’s the correlation here? How does the environment relate to sports?

As it turns out, there is a better, more eco-friendly and economical alternative to gym workouts - a simple walk, jog or run. All you need is a good pair of running shoes, and maybe a playlist or two. And marathons are even better because you get to run with a large number of people, who are a mix of novices, routine runners and veterans, all running enthusiasts. Marathons are usually organized for a cause.

Xavier University Bhubaneswar (XUB) offers such an opportunity through the XUB Green Marathon, arranged by XUB's Sports Committee, to promote and increase consciousness of sustainability and fulfill the vision of XUB to tackle sustainability problems and promote green practices. This Green Marathon would mark the start of Xamboree'19, XUB's flagship event, which is said to be Eastern India's largest Cultural–Management Festival. Spread over 3 days, from 27-29 September 2019, it will be a combination of individuals and organizations of diverse backgrounds coming together for music, art, theater, literature, and corporate events and will test their intellectual, oratory, artistic, creative, and corporate skills.

As one of the country's leading institutes, care for the environment, community, and the XUB family is their primary duty. XUB's Sports Committee believes sustainability is a lifestyle that every individual needs to adapt. The primary objective of this marathon is to increase awareness of the serious imbalance in nature and human life. The marathon will take place on Sunday, 22 September 2019, from Infocity Square to Janta Maidan, at 6:00 AM.