TCS Corporate Challenge 2025 5K run experience
I participated in the TCS Corporate Challenge 2025 5K run. This was my first 5K run. The event was held on 12th January 2025. I registered for the event 1 month back. Though I am not working in TCS now (ex TCSer) anyone from any corporate can join the event. Let me share my experience.
Preparation
I started preparation 20 days back. TCS provided a nice running practice with a nutrition plan. 2 days run and 1 day rest. Start with a slow run and less distance, gradually increasing the distance and time. I tried to stick with the plan and it was really helpful. As a novice runner, I didn’t have any running experience. I called one of my friends Suman before the event for tips. He is an athlete and a pro runner. He has given me very good tips which helped me a lot during run. During the run, I planned to wear the green t-shirt (I like the color) given in the BIB kit and a windcheater on top of it. I need a good track pant. Fortunately, before the day of the run one organization came to our office to sell clothes. I purchased a tackpant from there (lucky huh!).
BIB Collection
The registration was done at https://tcs.stridersevents.in/. The fee was Rs. 600 + 18% GST. After registration, they mailed a schedule to collect the BIB kit. I went to the TCS Lords office (Saltlake) to collect the BIB kit. There was a bag, bottle, t-shirt, cap, BIB number with timing chip, and safety pin for attaching the tag to the t-shirt. There were a lot of people in the line to collect the kit.
Run day
The reporting time was 5:30 AM at Eco Park Gate 1. The 5K run was supposed to start at 6:45 AM. I woke up at 4:30 AM. I had a banana and two dates. In the BIB kit I have taken 1 piece of banana, chocolate, a pack of ORS, and water. Booked an Uber and started the journey at 5:30. Reached at eco park at around 5:50 AM. A huge number of people already reached the venue. In the entrance there was a huge line. I asked one person, what is this line? He replied for the toilet. Some people were warming up, some just clicking pictures, some doing vlogs, some looking for someone, some enjoying themselves in a group, and some were like me roaming around alone. There was a stage set up where one anchor continuously shouted “ARE YOU READY?” Around 6:15 AM Zumba started. In some large soundboxes, music was played with a very high volume. On the stage some Zumba trainers doing warming-up exercises with the rhythm of music. Followed by the Jumba session, the national anthem was played. At 6:30 AM 10K run starts. Around 2000+ people joined the event. Huge crowd all wearing green T-shirts. 10K runner’s BIB plate color is red. for 5K it is blue. There was some dhak playing in the starting area. During the start of the run pieces of coloring papers were getting thrown in the sky. It looks very beautiful.
At 6:45 AM 5 KM run started. The sun was just rising. It was a bit cold but not too much. I wore the T-shirt given in the BIB Kit, a windcheater, and the track pants purchased one day back. Suman said that only a T-shirt was enough after some time I realized why he told me. I started sweating after a 1 KM run. I had to open the windcheater and cap. Put everything in the bag and continue. The route is around the Ecopark lake. It was a very nice view. On the way, there was a paid toilet. I was feeling toilet pressure a little. Didn’t take a risk and used that toilet. Now I feel fantastic about running. I am not a pro runner, so couldn’t continuously run. After 2 KM I felt tired so I walked for some time and continued the run and walk. The same route was used by 10 KM runners. They went to the 5 KM finisher point and back to the starting point. When I was in 2 KM I could see one 10KM runner coming back. So fast! In every 2 KM, there was a water center. In 4th KM there was a water + energy drink counter. I took one. I really needed that. I was exhausted. I completed the 5KM run in 45min. Not bad for a beginner. At the finishing point, one completion medal was given. There was a food counter in the arena. In the plate there was 3 idlis, sambar, chatni, chana, Orange, 1 nalen gurer rasgulla. Complete food. I clicked some photographs. One indoor plant was given. There was a Zumba cool-down session happened. I returned home by Uber with a lot of experience.
Next year target 10KM 🙂
Please find below the video compilation of the journey.
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