The Times Internet Half Marathon has never been just a race. Over three extraordinary days, starting with the Expo on March 27 and 28, and ending with the exciting race day on March 29, more than 15,000 runners filled the city with joy, sweat and stories worth telling. In the women’s 5K race, four women stood out. Not just because of where they finish, but because of who they are and what got them to the starting line. ShahruwinnerChip time: 00:20:26.30Shalu is always fast. Her school knew it, her friends knew it, and deep down, she knew it too. She spent her school days running freely in the fields and was known for her speed. But when it came time to compete, she was held back by her family, who said she was too young. So she waited. The moment she entered college, she burst onto the national stage. Freshman year of college, first national competition. Salu is such an athlete.“No matter how old I get, I want to ride, not run.”No matter how old she gets, she will never give up running. Her goals are clear: win a national medal, support her parents and one day stand at the Olympics.
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Bhavya Singh,First runner-upChip time: 00:23:57.19Bhavya Singh is 12 years old and already a medal-winning athlete. She has been a professional skater since the age of 5, winning medals at CBSE skating championships, and only recently expanded her world to track and field. It was her first marathon and she ended up on the podium. With her father’s support every step of the way, Bhavya is the kind of young talent that makes people stop and take notice.“It was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed the Times Internet Marathon.”From the rink to the track, Bhavya is marking a milestone in her sporting career and this podium finish is just the beginning.
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Panch Singh,second placeChip time: 00:23:57:74At just 11 years old, Panchhi Singh is running the marathon for the fifth time. She had been skating for a year, received specialized running coaching, and had a clear dream that she wanted to become a sprinter and build her entire career in track and field. What makes her story even more compelling? She was just milliseconds behind Bhavya Singh. Two milliseconds separate bronze from silver. She takes it all in stride, literally.“I had an exciting time. I’m very happy with the event.”Panchhi Singh, who reached the podium with a heartbeat decision in the fifth marathon on the 11th, is a name worth remembering.
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