Mumbai came out to run and the celebrities showed up supporting causes close to their hearts. John Abraham who is the marathon’s brand ambassador entered the venue running. Rahul Bose ran for a bit, while Tina Ambani flagged off a group of participants in support of senior citizens and even danced to show her enthusiasm. Ranbir Kapoor, Rohit Roy, Perizaad Zorabian, Prateik and Shazahn Padamsee came to offer support for Shabana Azmi’s rural cause. Others seen were Aarti Chhabria, Ash Chandler, Tara Sharma, Kunika Lal, Niranjan Hiranadani and Indu Shahani. It was heartening to see a supportive crowd gather to cheer the several thousand participants. At the end of every half-a-kilometre, there were different music bands performing, live singing, groups dancing, even a Navy orchestra playing — the streets wearing a carnival-esque look with an array of costumes from ethnic to international.

Mascot magic: John Abraham

Picture courtesy: Pramod Thakur and Ashwini Sawant