Dream to run...Mumbai Ishtyle

Standard chartered mumbai marathon.. I have associated myself with this name since last 3 years and each year this phenomenon ceases to amaze me and liven up my spirit of being a mumbaikar. Three years back I wasn't even aware of this event and thanks to my husband, I took part in it. Category of dream run being the lowest in terms of kms, I had decided to participate in it. I always assumed that we need to actually run in a marathon (obviously due to the research of videos i did after participating the first year). But my doubts were cleared in my attempt and I decided to give it a shot. Mumbai for me has always been equivalent to the sea, marine drive, etc and since the route included both, I was excited to actually try out the route. 

Each year I used to think of writing a blog on my experience, but finally with much pushing by my hubby, have managed to make it possible today.

The dream run is a 6 km category and mostly for corporates and promoters of various fields.  What grabs my attention the most is the amount of preparation done by these groups to actually stand out in the marathon.  From a group of as small as 10 to as big as 50, one needs to really stand out with the costume to be noticed, specially if you are alone. 

The celebrity stand being the most looked forward to my most participants, mainly because it probably gives us one glimpse of our hottie celebrity ( in my case, Juhi chawla, and in case of others, John Abraham) each year.

Few groups that have been regular every year have been tata, bharti axa, icici, etc, but the one that stood out the most for me this year would have to be undoubtedly Indian navy and tata consultancy services-TCS, who had put in a lot of effort for the banners, people management and theme of the group.

What also makes me truly proud is the way this whole event is organised.  From the entrance to the water stalls, from the crowd management to the traffic control, it makes me very overwhelmed to see our mumbaigoodie bags after marathon completion, it is fabulous team effort that one can see. police and traffic control working at every step to make such there is no chaos. Thousands of volunteers working from the day they start distributing the BIB numbers, to the event day for distribution of

Few moments that are memorable for me this year are:
1. the girls wearing a marathi costume 'navvari' shying away from cameraman in typical "issshhh, nakoo" style. It was almost as if they were newly weds. 

2.The Indian navy stage which had the navy officers being the orchestra as well as the singers of the group singing oldies and making heads turn, couples dance and youngsters sing to their tune. Its amazing how much talent exists in one of the most challenging unit of our country. 

3. Unfortunately, the third memory is not a very happy one. While I noticed so many positive things promoted, I noticed a lot of street kids also becoming a part of this event. There were many kids with empty plastic bags collecting empty water bottles, of course without any help asked for by the marathon committee. I saw groups chanting against female foeticide and child labour and NGOs promoting literacy in slum areas. I was surprised that they didn't notice these children on the streets or even give them a second glance. It made me think...are these promotions only for the sake of it?? Whats the point if you dont stand by what you preach? Stop using these topics to stand out in the marathon because it only makes you a hypocrite at the end of it all. What happens to your promotions once the event is over?

This year's marathon also left me with the thought of a decision to change a part of what I saw and do whatever little I could do for at least one kid if not many. Lets hope I can bring the change I want to see around me.

Till next year, this marathon at the start of the year always manages to give me a head start on my resolution to work on my daily walks (unfortunately the start ends too soon) but better little walking than nothing at all? Hehe...

Sharing few pics of marathon..enjoy!!!