The following report was written by Sarah Shafiq, granddaughter of retired Saudi Aramco employee, Dr. Mohammed Ifteqaruddin (badge #140948, Technical Advisor- RTR).
“Run for fun, Run for exercise, Run for better life”- By Toni Sorenson
Independence Day was fast approaching, and anticipation filled the air. My family, determined to make this year's celebration unforgettable, embarked on an adventure that would create lasting memories - participating in the 76th Independence Day Fun Run. With race options ranging from a swift 10 meters to a challenging 5 kilometers (Km) and 3 Km Fun Run, we enthusiastically chose the Fun Run. What made it even more exciting was that we were joined by our cousins, turning it into a grand family affair.
The day began at the crack of dawn as the alarm clock jolted us awake at 6 in the morning. The sun was already casting its warm, golden rays, promising a beautiful day ahead. We hurriedly got ready, our excitement mounting with each passing minute. Upon arriving at the event venue, we were greeted with a sense of belonging as we received our official event t-shirts and bibs. These tokens not only symbolized our participation but also connected us to the spirit of Independence Day.
Before the commencement of the Fun Run, a sumptuous breakfast awaited us, sponsored by Red Bull. The energy drink gave us an extra kick to start the day. We relished plates filled with steaming Idli, aromatic Upma, and crispy Wada while soaking in the morning sun. The combination of hot breakfast and the sun's warmth infused us with the energy we needed to embark on our adventure.
Akram, Amaan, Ameema, Sumaiyah, Kulsum, Maimunah, Sulaiman.
My brother, Zaid.
Then came the moment we had eagerly anticipated - the start of the Fun Run marathon. As the starting gun went off, we embarked on our journey, alternating between walking and running. The pace was relaxed, allowing us to engage in delightful conversations with our cousins. Laughter echoed as we shared stories and experiences. The beads of sweat on our foreheads were a testament to our physical activity and the joy of being productive.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. By Neale Donald Walsch
The natural surroundings were nothing short of breathtaking. The surroundings were absolutely beautiful. There were bushes with all kinds of colorful flowers, and it felt like we were walking through a magical garden. It was like nature was showing off its colors just for us.
As we concluded our run and walk, we found ourselves heading towards a resting area. The sight that met our eyes was enchanting - a tranquil lake stretched out before us, its waters glistening in the warm sunlight. The reflection of the blue sky danced on the surface, creating a serene and picturesque tableau. We even caught a glimpse of the Telangana Secretariat. It was a moment of pure bliss, and we couldn't help but be grateful for the natural wonders surrounding us.
Upon completing the Fun Run, the event organizers rewarded us with medals as tokens of our participation. We posed for pictures with our cousins, proudly wearing our medals as symbols of our achievements.
Medal we got for participating.
As we wrapped up the photo session, we headed back home, hearts full of gratitude and happiness. Overall, it was a day filled with joy, family bonding, appreciation for nature, and physical activity. Our unique celebration of Independence Day left an indelible mark on our hearts, and it was a day we would cherish forever.
The participation in the above activity was an initiative of my Grandfather, Mohammed Ifteqaruddin, Badge # 140948, Technical Advisor Mechanical Services, Ras Tanura Refinery.
I, Sarah Shafiq recommend all the Global Aramco Expats community, to help and advise the youth in the respective regions to take part in the sports and keep away from Social Media for a healthy life.