Delhi's relentless smog crisis reached a boiling point on Sunday as the city hosted multiple fitness events, including marathons and cyclothons, despite air quality plummeting to hazardous levels above 400 on the Air Quality Index (AQI)—categorized as "severe" by experts. A viral social media post captured the growing discontent, questioning the wisdom of such gatherings: "Marathon in 400 AQI. At least worry a bit about our country's image in the world. Doing such stunts is not useful for anyone. Who are these people allowing such things to happen? Where is our conscience?"

The post, which racked up thousands of shares, responded to footage of Bollywood stars Archana Puran Singh, Huma Qureshi, Shefali Shah, and Sunil Grover flagging off the Sekhon IAF Marathon 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, featuring 5 km and 10 km runs.

The Indian Air Force-organized marathon wasn't the only offender; it coincided with a 'cyclothon' at the PNB Head Office in Dwarka as part of Vigilance Awareness Week 2025, and the nationwide 'Fit India Sunday on Cycle' initiative by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, promoting cycling for health and eco-friendly transport. Hundreds of participants turned out, undeterred by the toxic haze, but the events clashed sharply with medical warnings.

One X user, a self-proclaimed marathoner, decried the risks: "As a Marathoner, I concur that this is hazardous... Cold, Cough and Fever will be the immediate after effects." Others invoked the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), lamenting, "Where is our intelligence and what happened to GRAP?" and branding the outings "nothing short of suicidal."

Critics on social media lambasted the apparent disregard for public health, with one user fuming, "If people don’t care about their health and well-being, why would the government bother?" The backlash highlighted a broader irony: these events, meant to foster fitness and national pride, unfolded in conditions where even a short walk outdoors poses risks of respiratory issues, eye irritation, and long-term damage, according to health advisories. Organizers defended the gatherings as morale-boosters, but the outcry underscored deeper frustrations with Delhi's annual pollution scourge, exacerbated by stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and stagnant winds.

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Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) painted a grim picture: Delhi's overall AQI lingered in the "very poor" category on Sunday, with 17 monitoring stations clocking "severe" readings over 400—peaking at 439 in industrial Wazirpur. Twenty more stations exceeded 300, and experts predict the malaise will persist until at least November 4 due to sluggish winds trapping pollutants.

As the city grapples with this environmental chokehold, the fitness fiascos serve as a stark reminder of the chasm between promotional zeal and perilous reality, prompting calls for smarter, safer alternatives like indoor activities or event postponements.

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