Serious running apart, the 16th Mumbai marathon was also a platform to take up social causes
Over 46,000 running enthusiasts and international athletes hit the streets between Bandra and Fort on Sunday morning for the 16th edition of the Mumbai marathon. The sudden spike in mercury in the past 24 hours made the winter morning much more pleasant.
If the 42.195-km full marathon and 21.097-km half marathon were a serious affair for many, the craze and fever rose to a crescendo after the 5.9-km Dream Run was flagged off. Citizens from various age groups took part to promote social causes and raise awareness, as Mumbaikars cheered them.
The event, which has become a way of testing will, saw Byculla residents Ketan Maru (36) and Raju Chauhan (30), both speech and hearing impaired since birth, joining a group of 200 youths who are similarly physically challenged.
"We want to prove that our physical problems are not burdened on anyone. We take the marathon as a chance to prove ourselves in front of the masses," said Chauhan using sign language. The duo said they have taken part in 10 editions and will continue to do so.
Several others, including individuals, government employees, policemen, war veterans and corporate staffers, in innovative and colourful attires made it a glitzy but meaningful event. Sprinklers, water booths and live music across the route kept the atmosphere lively.
Efforts to promote organ donation, child education, women empowerment and right to play were on display. BMC's election department made an attempt to raise awareness of the importance of voting. Scores of cardiac-patient-turned-runners passed their 'test' with flying colours.
Eleven medical aid stations were set up to provide first aid to participants. Over 3,000 runners needed medical attention across all routes, said organisers.
Dr Vijay D'Silva, director-critical care and medical affairs of Asian Heart Institute said, "Forty-one runners came with severe dehydration cases. They were given intravenous rehydration therapy at the medical base camp and were sent home. While 14 runners were hospitalised, 12 have already been discharged and two are still admitted."
According to the medical staff, a majority of the cases were of dehydration, exhaustion, and cramps. Dr D'Silva added, "This year cases of cramps and dehydration were more mainly due to the warm and humid weather."
MORE MARATHON TALES
Phatka gang victim runs to inspire many
About 10 months after she fell down from a moving train, a ‘phatka gang’ survivor ran marathon for the first time. Dravita Singh (24), a Ulhasnagar resident, practiced for the 5.9km Dream Run. Singh said, “I am happy to participate in this marathon. I don’t feel that I am disabled. I did my own daily routine work and walk on my legs, so why should I feel that I am physically challenged? It takes time to recover but after a certain stage, we overcome our issues. I have recovered a lot in 10 months.” Dravita completed the run in 45 minutes without any medical or physical issues.
Disability can’t slow down war veterans
Sixteen soldiers, who were rendered disable in war, participated in the marathon for the eighth consecutive year. All of these soldiers had sustained severe injuries including amputated legs in various wars in 1965, 1971, IPKF ops, Kargil War. The jawans participated in the ‘Dream Run’ category under the banner “War Wounded Foundation”. “We want to spread the message that physical limitations do not stop a soldier from being useful to society. We spread our message for the sole purpose of assisting those like us in their long-term rehabilitation and financial independence, said a jawan.
Age not an obstacle to staying healthy
In a bid to stay fit and enjoy a healthy lifestyle, over 200 senior citizens from across the city joined Mumbai marathon at CST. Inspired by his son, a 79-year-old Bhandup resident started participating in marathons along with his elder sister. The brother and sister duo Manohar (79) and Pushpa Bijani (85) participated in the senior citizens’ run. Manohar said, “It has been six years since my elder sister and I participate together in senior citizens’ run. Due to our age, we walk, rather than run, together, but we always wait to participate as it motivates us to be fit and healthy.”
Platform to promote organ donation
With an aim to motivate the general public to donate their organs as well as spread awareness about breast cancer, a group of doctors and senior staff faculty from BYL Nair Hospital and TN Medical college, participated in the Dream Run category this year. Dr Jayshri Panday, professor of surgery and breast diseases, said, “Prevention is better than cure is a maxim often cited but seldom followed. Marathon is a wider platform which will help create awareness.” While this is their first year, they aim to participate in the 10km run next year with more faculty members.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Mumbai Marathon")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}