Mumbai runs for fun, funds and fitness

Thousands of people belonging to different vocations converged at the historic Victoria Terminus building this morning to take part in the Mumbai marathon that witnessed professional athletes, senior citizens, students, physically challenged and celebrities rub shoulders with each other.

Organisers of the annual event said that an estimated 15,000 athletes took part in the 7-km long 'Dream Run' while over 5,000 participated in the half marathon.

For many, the event was a chance to improve upon their timings.

Software professional Bhaskar Sharma from Bangalore, who came for the event along with 30 friends to take part in the race, said he ran for fun.

"I have run the Mumbai Marathon for the past four years and am hoping to improve my timing. We have a running club in Bangalore, of which all the members will be participating today," Sharma said.

But, for many, it was a chance to raise money for a cause dear to their heart. Mumbai-based Hoshedar Wadia's intention behind running was to raise Rs 20,000 for a school in Khandala.

"The RC School is not on the list of NGOs that I can run for. However, I have received pledges from many who will contribute for the school if I run the marathon," Wadia said.

For some, it was an occasion to savour the taste of the big event. Eighteen-year-old Shreyas Joshi from Chennai, who came to the city accompanied by his parents, ran the 42-km-long marathon for the joy of doing it.

"He has been training for the last six months and insisted he wanted to participate in this event," Shreyas' mother Jyotsna said.

Security was tight and no untoward incidents happened during the Standard Chartered-sponsored marathon, one of the most keenly-awaited sporting event in Mumbai's calender.