Was it the spirit or the enthusiasm of the people living in this city that started the marathon in 2003?
The Mumbai Marathon is one of the world’s greatest races on earth or rather under the category of the fourth internationally recognized marathons. It is not an event confined to the Mumbaiker’s only… but also an attraction to some of the world’s best athletes coming from places like Africa, Europe, etc.
It is awarded the Silver label which means that has a minimum of five elite athletes and who have recorded timings below 2:12 for men and before 2:32 for women. It also takes into consideration stringent details regarding the conduct of the marathon that should measure up to the best events in the world. It is one of the largest charity events in Asia, helping NGO’s across the nation.
This race is a much awaited for event in the city, and banners, posters, placards are put up all over the city to charge up the city spirits.
The Mumbai Marathon is unique in a way that its not only meant for Olympic champions, but it’s divided into many different sub-categories to give everyone an opportunity to participate.
There are six different categories: Full Marathon; Half Marathon; Dream Run; Corporate Challenge; Senior Citizens’ Run; Wheel Chair Event.
The whole event is sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank and is promoted by Procam International who are the organizers of sports and leisure activities in India. Other than that it is sponsored by CNBC, The Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai Police, The Indian Navy, The Traffic Police, DHL, Prasar Bharati, Talwalkers, IBN7, and Tata Consultancy Services. The Times of India, Radio Mirchi- 98.3 FM, The Oberoi, Kingfisher, Thomas Cook, Air India, Ford, Titan, Asian Heart Institute, Harmony for Silvers Foundation, Oasics, Indiatimes.com, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Army Air Forces, Give India, IAAF Athletics, Associations of International Marathons and Long Distance Races; and promoted by Procam International.
Sprawled out from one end of the city i.e. from Chatrapatti Shivaji Terminus to Bandra Reclamation the Full marathon gives the runner a detailed look at Mumbai city. From the tall buildings in VT, to the Marine Drive; past Lower Parel into the suburbs where Bandra Reclamation is, the runner gets to see a broad perspective of what the city really is like. Helicopters flying overhead while running the marathon truly give the runner an experience to never forget.
It creates a sense of unity or oneness among Indians when Celebrities, Ngos, corporate sector, social workers, and the common man came together. One Hundred and Fifty NGO’s participated in this Marathon; each aimed at raising a substantial amount of money for their cause.
The Banyan, a Chennai based ngo working for the upliftment of mentally ill destitute women by housing, treating and rehabilitating them. The Banyan especially outreaches to people belonging to a low socio-economic strata in society. It participated for the first time by bringing down two of it’s residents, Kalpana and Thiruchelvi to run the Dream run; covering a distance of 6km with a team of staff members of the Banyan Organization. In a measure to raise funds for the organization, The Banyan was dependant on raising money based on the pledges made upon them. The Banyan was not the only ngo here supporting its cause but one hundred and fifty other organizations too came forth to participate in this charitable and unanimous cause in the City of Mumbai.
