My First Mumbai Full Marathon Experience

You may have heard about the Mumbai Marathon- SCMM’09. I thought of running half marathon there (21.1KM) in august-08. But the registration for half marathon was over after a few days it opened. So I had to register for the FULL marathon (42.2KM). I ran two half-marathons last year 2008 and a few more long runs in and around KBR Park, but never thought of a full marathon till end of 09.


Finally I set my mind for the FULL one after Hyderabad half marathon.
I knew it would be tough without much training. I was eager to run with my fellow colleagues, who have already run 5+ full marathons.

However, this one was so special in many ways. First, it was too challenging for the humidity and temperature in Mumbai. Second, it was my first full run (my longest was 26KM in KBR Park). Thirdly, it was in Mumbai and some say it's THE best marathon in ASIA, the only international marathon in India, and finally for the fear that engulfed too many this year post 26/11, for security reasons. It was an attempt to show the solidarity to mumbaikars.

In a beautiful early morning of 18th Jan 2009, it started at 6.45AM from the CST, and we are thousands on the road. The sun was yet to rise. We crossed Church gate, flora fountain, then touched the marine drive, took turn at Hotel TRIDENT (the victim of 26/11), and it continued through Hazi Ali. The first 22KM was easier. I took 2 hours 20 minutes to reach near Ganapathi temple, finally the 24KM came at Bandra, there we took the U-turn, and more 18KM were there. It was around 10AM and sun started to be a bit cruel.

I was running constantly till 30KM mark with an avg speed of 8-9K/hour. And by then, I have reached the longest run. My whole body was denying me to proceed, another 12KM to go!!! I just pushed a little and little, and went easy, it seemed as if 1KM is quite longer then it used to be. Finally came to 38KM and then on to the marine drive. It was around 11AM, so the sun has come over the head, too much of heat and humidity. Quite a challenge, I was just thinking how to put the next step, the cramps has started on the thigh muscle, and there were enough people to cheer besides the road. The whole body was jammed. And, I continued gradually, looking many co-runners, coercing each other, reminding our self all the positivity that we had, yes this 4KM will also be gone, and we will reach the FINISH LINE. The human spirit was the only thing that kept me going. I was just thinking - I have to go anyway, if my legs are cramped, let me drag myself but I have to reach the finish line, and finally I reached the target at 11.52AM after the struggle of 12KMs. I went for a sprint for the last 100mts, and crossed the finish line fulfilling the goal that I set a year and half before. I took 4 hours 58 minutes and 21 seconds to complete the 42.2KM distance.


The best part of this run was the people of Mumbai. I have heard and read a lot about them, but experienced it first time. There were many people besides the road in the entire 42KM track, who cheered, clapped and shouted RUN Mumbai RUN, Run India RUN, and kept shouting 1631 (my chest bid number) you can do it! There were kids, girls, men and women of all ages. They provided water, fruits, soft drinks, appies, and fruties to the runners. Kids extended their hands to handshake. There was more excitement in their cheering, and smiling.

It was a great experience indeed and the hardest thing that I have ever done till date, I will remember it for the rest of my life, not only as my first marathon of my life but also as my first visit to Mumbai :-)

Believe me, it just needs a trigger, then you can really feel it, RUN is more FUN than its PAIN, Not only for a healthier life but also your self confidence. I wish, one day I will run alongside you :)