Congratulations to Mumbaites, over 40,000 of them participated in the Standard Chartered Bank and TCS organized Mumbai Maraton-2009 today (18/01/2009). This is the first major public event, post 26/11, which again shown the true Mumbai spirit and unity. In this well-organized, 6th Annual event, young, old, handicapped and national/international players, including bigwigs from business and entertainment sector participated without any inhibition. Total prize money is around US$250,000.
However, the majority of the participants are not running for prize but for promoting various social issues such as tribute to the 26/11 terror victims in Mumbai, girl child’s education and for the benefit of less-privileged population. The event was conducted in three categories: Full marathon (42km), Half-marathon (21km), Dream Run (6km) and Wheel Chair run. The marathon began and ended at CST (26/11 terror attack site). Over 3,000 policemen provided the security cover. The focal theme was PEACE. Kenya’s Kenneth Mugura won the marathon. The winners of the Half-marathon are: Surinder Singh (men) and Kavita Raut (women).
The event succeeded in proving AGAIN that nothing can change the success of “Unity in Diversity” concept in Mumbai. Media coverage however, looked more like “paid to promote business and entertainment bigwigs” rather than the true spirit of the marathon and the actual participation. Media, as usual, either do too little or too much, but not in moderation!
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