As the highly anticipated 2024 Valencia Marathon approaches, all eyes are on AB Belliappa, a 32-year-old international distance runner representing the Indian Army. Scheduled to take place on December 1, this marathon marks a significant competition for Belliappa, who aspires to break the long-standing national record of 2:12:00, a mark set by the late Shivnath Singh in 1978.
Belliappa, a native of Coorg, recently achieved a personal best of 2:14:26 earlier this year during the Vienna Marathon, showcasing his potential to surpass the national record. As he prepares for the upcoming race, he expresses gratitude for the substantial backing he has received from army veterans, particularly Major General Arjun Muthanna (retd), who has initiated fundraising efforts to support his training and competition expenses.
The support from the Kodagu Educational and Social Service Trust, consisting of well-wishers from Coorg, has proven to be crucial for Belliappa. This is the third time in two years that the trust has financially aided the runner to gain valuable international experience in elite competitions. Major General Muthanna shared that they were quick to assist upon learning of Belliappa’s needs, confirming that they “cross-checked details” before extending their financial backing.
A strong performance in Valencia could significantly boost Belliappa’s chances of qualifying for the upcoming marathon event at the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships, according to KC Ramu, the military’s athletics coach overseeing Belliappa’s training. Ramu explained that consistent top performances in marathons are pivotal for improving Belliappa’s world ranking and ultimately securing a spot at the prestigious championships.
Despite facing challenges that have hindered previous performances, including baggage issues during the Vienna Marathon, Belliappa has shown resilience. He trained diligently in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, amid a structured regimen with fellow distance runners. Reflecting on past experiences, he acknowledges his misjudgment of pace during the 2022 Valencia Marathon, where he finished in a slower time of 2:16:51. The disappointment continued at the 2022 Asian Games, where he clocked 2:20:52 and fell short of a medal. However, his recent success in Vienna has revitalized his confidence.
For the upcoming race in Spain, Belliappa plans to adopt a conservative pace in the early laps, mindful of the local weather conditions to optimize his performance. He emphasized that consistent training has positioned him well for this competition and that he is hopeful luck will be on his side as he strives to break the national record.
With the support of his community and fellow athletes, Belliappa’s determination is palpable as he gears up for one of the most critical races of his career. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown, and fans worldwide will be cheering for this promising athlete as he pursues his dream in Valencia.
