The Mumbai Marathon

”Charan and myself have taken a pledge to not miss out one annual marathon and for a good reason. It is by far India’s biggest marathon and ranks amongst the world’s top ten in the category of most participants attended.

The Mumbai marathon, with its indomitable vigor combined with an irresistible style is analogous to a big bash of 55,000+ participants along with the immeasurable mumbaikars lining up the streets cheering the participants as if they are one of their own. The mega marathon is an international event. Hordes of runners from across the world descend on the metropolitan. There are Elite runners, mostly from the African nations, icing the cake.

An event of truly magnanimous proportions. It all begins at the iconic Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) an ancient colonial structure converted into a bustling railway terminus. The Full Marathon participants are led to the start point at Azad maidan.

It is incredible to see large parts of Mumbai shut for half a day due to the Marathon. Areas such as the CSMT, Churchgate, Marine lines, Worli Sealink, Bandra, Mahim are all restricted for vehicular and people movement. Only runners are allowed on the road.

At 4:00 am, the party already begins. At the sprawling grounds, there are activities buzzing aplenty. A massive stage placed at the center where the warm up and Zumba sessions are led for the benefit of the runners. A chai and snacks center, baggage counter, medical kiosks put up at various points across the maidan, a lounge for the select few to rest and revitalize before the run.

The enormity and spread of the marathon are known when you observe the various running groups from different parts of the country. There are groups from Kochi to Kolkata, from Goa to Delhi who are seen interacting, warming up to start. Ladies and gents from all age group make their presence felt. The chatter and smiles all around at pre-dawn are heartening to see.

Due to sheer number of participants for Full Marathon, which is close to 5,000 +, the participants are categorized from A to F, with a staggered start line. The fastest runners placed in section A, will move first, followed by the runners in section B and so on. This is to avoid the runners trampling over each other at the start line.

The marathon is usually flagged off by a sporting personality – from Mary Koms to P.T. Usha’s who have made the nation proud with their sporting achievements. Braving the winter chill, it takes the runners by surprise to see the crowd waving and cheering at the start line – at 5.00 am. Truly epic. The sight only fuels you to run and perform at your best pace. Almost immediately, as you run your way from CSMT – Churchgate – Marine lines, the streets are dawned by the irrepressible artists and performers, who dance to the Marathi and Bollywood music. The revelation fills you even more energy. The Navy also participates with their Band trumpeting soothing music. Water and aid stations are lined up at frequent intervals to serve electral, water and fruits at various junctures along the route.

As the Mid-Jan cool air sways from the Arabian Sea, the runners make their way to beautiful marine drive. The multifaceted scenic route with ions of sea on one side and towering buildings on the other, we make our way into Worli. Almost at the end of 16th km, it is time to raise the stakes. We hit our strides as the runners come face to face with the magnificent Worli Sea-link. With Sun rising in the east, it a sight to behold. You are almost guilty of forgetting about running, while enjoying this unique opportunity. On a usual day, one cannot walk on the sea-link as it is only meant for motorists. But here we are, on this day, it is only meant for runners.

With the brilliant setting, the shutter bugs are out in its glory. Runners pose in groups, selfies to take back the memories. These are surely facebook and insta worthy pics.

At the end of the long stretch, we reach Bandra. That is when we hear the air buzzing. By now, mumbaikars come out to watch the event and cheer the participants. Parents, kids, the young and old line up the streets. And then we hear the instructions..keep to your right, keep to your right. For first timers, this might seem bit weird. But you only need to wait for few minutes, before you see the amazing elite athletes.

The Elite runners with their long strides like the fast cheetahs, zoom past you in a herd. You are in awe watching them, running gracefully, barely breaking a sweat, running shoulder to shoulder, fast and furious. The male runners first and then followed by the female runners. Their incredible pace sees them cover the distance in half the time and just like that poof…they disappear. At their breathtaking pace they simply vanish from your sight and you are pulled back to reality. Back to running duties.

We saunter at 30th kilometer, now this is when the real marathon begins. This is what separates the men from the boys. As the body starts to fatigue, you start to feel the niggles. However, the mind demands more from the body, as there is still 12 kilometers to go. The legs contemplate ire, which the mind purposely avoid listening to. Any complains will be sorted at the end of the marathon. For now, suffer, burn but move on.

We pour into Mahim, Prabhadevi and then, past the towering Ambani house – Antilia. Number of jubilant crowd swarm the streets with their kids, cheering the runners. It is a heartening sight. The kids offer biscuits, oranges, even lime juice, which only spawns you on to push the legs to cover the final miles.

As we hit Peddar road, the testing ascent begins. The runners literally walk this stretch as the ultra-fatigued legs start to wobble. The crowd start to swell here. They smile, cheer, and motivate you to push yourself.

The final 5 kms are the most brutal. Devoid of any shadowy trees and cool breeze, the sun harps on you like a microwaved oven. The only respite would be to finish you race at the paciest. Ostensibly, the legs body does have it say on this matter.

The ‘bus’ team pushes and explains to pace yourself. No point in injuring in the final stretch. The finish line draws ever so closer. In the final kilometer, crowd throbs. This is what places Mumbai above the rest of marathons in India. Akin to a superstar treatment, at the finish line, the crowd literally throng, shouting, screaming, smiling, take your photographs, which admittedly makes you feel like a champion.

Hats off to Mumbaikars, for bracing the hot weather while supporting the running cause and motivating the runners even further.

As we stand in queue to pick up our medals, we cannot hide our happiness as we pose for selfies. A promise to the buzzing city, that we will back to the Mumbai marathon circuit next year and the next.

Truly the spirit of Mumbai lives on…Amchi Mumbai indeed.