When StanChart sponsored the first ever Marathon, it was not only a novelty for the runners but equally so for the spectators. While I knew that the sun and fiesta would be on Marine Drive where the Dream Runners supporting various charities would be running, I preferred to be amongst the bystanders on Kemp’s Corner. This bit of the run is particularly challenging because it involves trudging uphill and down twice in a space of a kilometre or so.

It always amazes me why people run. Especially the non-athletic runners who seem to be pushing themselves to make it. I know people say there is a high that is unrivalled, a camaraderie amongst runners that only they can understand, the joy of having the breeze kiss your face and finally knowing that you have pushed yourself.

This morning I stood at Kemp’s Corner to cheer on the runners as I always do and . was amazed by some of the people I saw.

Early in the morning just as day was breaking there was a stream of people running down the bridge as they literally flowed past like a river in full cry. Even though they were five kilometres into the race, they looked like they’d just stepped out.

But on the opposite side of the road were the half marathoners on the last five kilometre stretch. They looked exhausted. Some of them were walking , some of them were wincing in pain . Of course there was the occasional runner who normally does the whole forty two kilometres and for whom the half marathon was a breeze . But these runners were few and far between and drew envious looks from the rest.

But all the runners except those really focused winners , perked up when they saw our enthusiastic support for them. Some of them smiled back in appreciation, some raised slogans for Shri Ram , the country and even our beloved God Ganesha who visits Mumbai every year. There was one pretty lady who broke into a jig while another participant dressed as a clown high fived the kids along the way . This time I found two ladies running with nine yard saris draped on their tights – paying hommage to the native women of Mumbai while two men ran with dhotis! One brave participant was wheeled in a wheelchair. And of course there was the occasional dog as well .

So all in all it was a fun event with 60,000 participants .

Luckily the weather was pleasant – perfect in fact for running and definitely perfect for the cups of tea and samosas that were being served at our cheering point !

So till next year ciao!