dna iCan marathon: Teen forgets to carry shoes but still wins

No shoes, no problem — that's Heena Mali for you. A couple of months ago, the 19-year-old from Uran chose to run barefoot in the Mumbai Marathon. She finished a commendable fifth. Sunday was no different, the dividends this time were even more rewarding as Mali won the 10-km run at the dna iCan marathon held at the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

The arts student, who had willingly left her footwear at home for the January race, had too many things on her mind on Saturday. And believe it or not, she forgot her shoes this time. "We had to collect our bibs by 6'o clock on Saturday evening. Accordingly, we left home around 2:30 pm and took the ferry to Mumbai (Dockyard). We were running late and, of all the things, I forgot my shoes," said Mali.

Running barefoot is no joke. But it's a choice Mali has made. "I manage to maintain my lead but, as the end approaches, I tend to slow down. I was lucky that my rivals didn't catch up with me. I think I need to work on finishing races with the same enthusiasm I begin them with," Mali added.

Having represented the state on numerous occasions, her next goal is represent the country. "There's no need to make my running without shoes such a big deal. I have run and won without them. Who knows, I may run even faster with them."