A marathon that wasn't

A night marathon was organized  in our city. I deliberated to participate in it. As most marathons were morning events and I am not an early riser. So, I decided to take part in it, and choose 10 km distance. 

I had to purchase my jogging clothes. I had a sport shoe that I haven't used for years, so decided to not buy it. And finally the day of event came. 

I had to do registration by 5 pm, so went to register myself on 4:30 PM. The main event taking was 6:00 PM. I expected 1 hour warmup was enough, and I could explore the stadium in the meantime. So, I did online registration. They provided me my bib number. and I went to directly into the stadium..

I explored the place, and waited for race to begin. But this was my biggest misconception. As the time came near, they started a dance program. I was surprised and learned that it will start after dignitaries would come. So, the dignitaries came, each one addressing crowd. Soon it became a social event, with discussions, messages and slogans. I was getting impatient, when I met some of my college friends. So, we had our chat, explored a bit, had snacks while roaming around. As the time came near, we learned that it will start after 8 PM. Now, I was getting bored, when I found something stuck under my shoes. 

So, I raise my shoe to check, only to realize, my sole of show came out. I was shocked and pondered what can I do. After much thought, I take out sole of my other shoe. I did feel bad as it was my new jogging shoe that I purchased years back but never used. Anyway, I tried to use this soleless shoe, and participated in the race. As I lined for with my friends, the organizer volunteers asked me to join later as first 10 km runners will run. I was confused and told them that I was also in 10 km. Then they said that I don't have the RFID chip embedded bib number for timed race. When I conveyed to them that it was given by them only, then they requested me to return to the registration area and take a new one.

I contemplated and decided to go back. As I reached the registration stall, they were already closing, and said no more exchange can be done. It was disappointing but I didn't have any more interest to complain. I returned back to my house without taking part in the marathon.

So, my first marathon ended in a failure, due to a series of unfortunate issues.