when i was first told about the race “bodu.haaf” i became extremely curious. i was told the race will be conducted under extreme conditions, mostly we must suffer the heat of the day. after the preparation that lasted two months, we headed into the race with lots of encouragement and confidence. the most unique part of the race was we must run three races on the same day with relatively short breaks between each race. as a person who have never done such a race, the breaks between the races may be welcoming but that was the main culprit of the race. the three races were scheduled such that we started with 5k followed by a 10k and then the mighty half marathon by which the race was named, “bodu haaf”.

the first race started at 5:30am and i made sure that my heart rate never elevated until i finish it. it went well. the 10k was next which started at 6:30am and like the first race, i made sure i followed what we learnt during training, be patient to suppress the race excitement. during race preparations and from the beginning of the day we were hinted how adverse the heat of the sun would be on us. however, the day’s weather was in favor of us, the sun did not come hot as it was expected rather the clouds came in and finally a light shower splashed while we did our 10k easily. that brought a feeling of positivity towards the main event of the day.

the race of the day, what everyone was waiting eagerly, started at 8:30am. i started it well and after half of the race was done, i started feeling the bodu.haaf effect. although the weather was not extreme as we expected, the fatigue and tiredness of the legs started giving the body different messages. i made sure i followed whatever i was taught during the training, most important thing, being patient with the pace and to keep going steadily. i made sure i finished it without suffering any cramps, however a few participants became a victim of the race effects which was expected from this first of its kind, extreme running event in Maldives. the closing ceremony was held under rain, where everyone was enjoying their hardly earned medals.

the race atmosphere was awesome and encouraging. a typical TfG event where happiness overtook everything else. the route was awesome and while selecting the route, TfG made sure everything that will help us run safe and happy. the race location, central park was in festival mood with lovely music played and always encouraging words from the race moderator. with every 4km, we passed the central park and with supporters all over and the encouraging words spoken made us revitalize ourselves for the next loop. i really loved everything about the race, and i look forward to doing the race stronger and better the next time. i appreciate and thank TfG for organizing such an awesome event as always