A 61-yr-old saree-clad labourer wins 3-km marathon !

, Dec 20: A first-time participant surprised the organisers and other athletes at the 3-km Baramati

held on Wednesday. And what is so special about this participant? She is 61 ! A farm labourer, she wore a traditional saree and ran barefoot ! And she beat all her younger opponents minutes after the race began, says

t.

Lata Bhagwan Kare won the marathon in senior citizens category and was awarded a certificate and Rs 5000. She was also declared as the year's Fastest Marathon Runner. Her rare feat is now being celebrated by media across the world.

"When I came to know about the competition, I decided to participate in the event. I gathered courage and informed my son that I wanted to run the Marathon. Initially, he gave me a weird look as in his opinion it was not possible, given my age. But I was determined, so he finally gave in", said Kare.

Kare is a resident of Pimpli, about 7 km from Baramati in Maharashtra, and works as a farm labourer.What is the secret of her energy? Here is what she told DNA: "I used to go for morning walks daily, but I had never run. If I had even tried to run, people would have found it strange and they would have asked me uncomfortable questions," Kare laughed.

It was not easy for her to overcome the embarassment of running in a saree while all other particpants came in sports outfits. here is what she says about it.

"I felt a little awkward (at the beginning), as all the other participants were staring at my dress. That also made me a little nervous. However, when the race began and I started overtaking them one by one, I gained my energy. While running I was talking to myself and telling that I want to win this race and I did it."

She wants to run more and more, she says. "I want to participate in more races. But only god knows whether I remain as strong then as I am today."

The organisers were equally delighted to have Kare in the race. Her victory came as a pleasant surprise, they said.

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