Marathon helps us achieve our own goals
By Harsha Bhogle
The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has marched into its seventh year; not slunk across the line gasping for breath, or just slipping by hoping no one notices. As an event it is something to be proud of.
Like a tree we must grow stronger every year. Like the sea link on which it will be run this year, it is a symbol of the city but unlike the sea link it does not signify tardiness and delay! We are proud of our marathon. It is not just an athletic event and yet, it embodies the qualities that make the marathon such a great endurance event, a symbol of what mind and body can achieve.
The human body was not built to run 42 kilometers for it has no engine but the human spirit, no fuel but the desire to overcome. And that is why we must applaud the athletes who are extraordinary people. It is really their event and in a sense we ride on their shoulders and we cannot forget that.
But away from those, there are others who may lack the skills the athletes possess, but who are symbols of endurance as well. Last year, as we walked the Dream Run for the Forum For Autism, we were accompanied by children and parents too; those affected by autism and those that give their lives to support those dear to them.
These are people who are running a different race, one that doesn’t get over by noon on January 17th, one that doesn’t really have a finish line. There are many others to whom life deals a different set of cards and the Marathon gives them a chance to come together and reach out to the world. So if you are not running, or walking, but just watching, get into the spirit of things. Applaud these athletes of life and next time around, contribute to a cause that is dear to you. It is not difficult to do.
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