Gobinda Sarkar (left) runs in the 2026 Wuxi Marathon. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
My name is Gobinda Sarkar. 高兵 is my Chinese name. I am from Kolkata, India. Kolkata is located in eastern India. However, I have been residing in Hangzhou since 2017. I am an artist with a passion for travelling and exercise.
Since 2024, I have been participating in marathons. I completed the 2026 Wuxi Marathon in 03:33:11.
I am very happy to have the chance to participate in the 2026 Wuxi Marathon and deeply grateful to the organizers. The Wuxi Marathon is so famous, and everyone wishes to participate. If given the opportunity to run here, people would consider you fortunate. When I participated in the Wuxi Marathon, I genuinely felt very fortunate, regardless of my finishing time. The quotation, "U R THE BEST", profoundly affected me.
The marathon route was impressive, with aid stations positioned every two kilometers or so on both sides. The stations were very well organized, ensuring the area around them remained clean and uncrowded, which was impressive. Along the path, there was an enthusiastic crowd. From children to elderly individuals, all were trying their best to cheer on the participants.
Most of the marathon route was shaded by trees. The blossoms of the landscape, the calm of the lake's water, and the winding road lay silent, while a group of runners moved forward steadily, accompanied by the rhythmic cheers "jia you" of the audience, akin to an orchestra.
I believe a marathon is similar to a festival — an energetic, enthusiastic, and joyful event that encourages people to learn. Health is a very important part of our daily lives. According to the exercise, we can improve our time, so today's main goal is to arrive at the starting point on time to participate in the 2026 Wuxi Marathon.
Wuxi Metro under the lens of Gobinda Sarkar. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The specialized metro service designated for the marathon significantly impressed me due to its high level of convenience. In the morning on March 22, the metro service started an hour earlier than usual. Despite the large crowd, everything was managed smoothly and politely. The entire management team was outstanding.
I do not know any individual here, yet everyone behaves as if we're family. On the day of the race, I met many friends, though they were all participating in the marathon. I especially met a friend on the way to the starting point. We also take the metro and reach the starting point easily. He guided me. Actually, I had followed the cell phone map, but it was a special day, so the map's information did not work properly. The friend is like a "Protege".
At the high-speed train station's security checkpoint, I inquired about my train, and the staff member recognized me with my yellow trolley bag. She also congratulated me and welcomed me to return to Wuxi. I believe that was the most pleasant sound I heard that day. Wuxi is not only a modern city with skyscrapers, it is also a beautiful city, like a blooming garden.
Participating in the 2026 Wuxi Marathon was truly an honor, and I loved running along the same route as the professional marathon runners. While it wasn't my best performance, it has motivated me to commit to more focused training in the future. If I get another chance to compete in the Wuxi Marathon, I'll do my very best to make the most of it and improve every step of the way.
Gobinda Sarkar, from India, is an art practitioner with a passion for travelling and physical exercise. He is now residing in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
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