The Hindu Business Line : Mumbaikars run for fun, charity

Mr Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra and Mr. S. Ramadorai, CEO & MD, TCS, at the start of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2008 held in Mumbai on Sunday. -Shashi Ashiwal

Divya Trivedi

Mumbai, Jan 20 As thousands of Mumbaikars huffed and puffed their way to the finishing line of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon for prize money worth $2,40,000, international athlete Mr Satyaprakash Tewari, who lost his legs, had only one agenda, “to inspire others like me and to show them that nothing is impossible.” He participated in the 2.5 kilometre marathon for the disabled, for the fourth year in succession. “I hope that when other disabled persons see me in my condition touching the finishing line on the wheel chair, they will feel motivated,” he said.

Ms Shyamala Gopinath, 58, a Deputy Governor of the RBI, was another inspirational runner, who left behind many youngsters, in her enthusiasm.

“I am participating for the first time and its great fun. There are many people from our bank participating and I hope we will be able to raise some good amount for the charities,” she said.

Participants

The business community of Mumbai poured out in huge numbers on the marathon route, with LIC bagging the first prize in Corporate Sporting Challenge and Aditya Birla Nuvo coming in a close second.

The sporting challenge was introduced in 2007 in association with Give India, a philanthropic organisation, to donate money raised by companies to various charities. The Foundation, actor Rahul Bose’s NGO, brought six children from Andamans, who are studying with Rishi Valley, to participate in the six kilometres dream run.

“I did not feel tired by the walk, I have walked for 10 kilometres in the past,” said Jinu, a child of The Foundation.

Actors Shabana Azmi, Konkona Sen Sharma and others, who took the walk with the children, are supporting their cause.

Many celebrities were spotted on the run, with the ambassador John Abraham leading the pack. But the real celebrities of the day turned out to be athletes Mr John Kelai, of Kenya, who won the overall men’s marathon of 42 kilometres for the second year in a row, along with Ms Mulu Seboka of Ethiopia, who came first in the women’s overall marathon.

Mr Surender Singh won the half marathon of 21 km, while Ms Kavita Raut won the half marathon for women.

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