MTHL marathon: 5,000 lace up for racetrack on the sea

The marathon season in the city will continue this weekend with the city lacing up its running shoes for the inaugural The L&T Sea Bridge Marathon 2024, in association with The Times of India and MMRDA this Sunday (February 18).
As many as 5,000 runners, 85% of them from Mumbai, are poised to compete in the first-of-its-kind marathon over the sea with the newly launched Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) as the racing track.Following hot on the heels of the 2024 Tata Mumbai Marathon, the Sea Bridge Marathon offers four race categories -- the signature 42km event (5am start), followed by the half marathon (6am start), a 10km run (6.30am start) and finally, a 5k run (6.45am start).
But beyond just a sporting event, thousands will be pacing through the sea bridge on Sunday morning, not just for miles but as part of the city's determination to evolve and connect.
"This marathon where participants will run across the sea, connecting two cities is a major achievement for the city's sports scene. The bridge, a symbol of modern engineering, now provides a stage for athletes to demonstrate their resilience and drive, bring communities together and honour the spirit of teamwork," said metropolitan commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee.
The engineering marvel, formally named Atal Setu, was in the making since 2018, and was thrown open to the public only last month for faster connectivity between Navi Mumbai and Mumbai. Equipped to accommodate 70,000 vehicles daily, this six-lane bridge will take on a new role this Sunday as it makes way for marathoners sprinting across what is the country's longest sea bridge and the world's 12th longest. It promises to be an experience like no other -- with 16.5km of its 22km on the sea. The bridge is from Sewri, crossing over Thane Creek, and culminating at Chirle in the distant outskirts of Navi Mumbai.
"For over eight decades, L&T has been constructing landmarks. Delighted that we have now added to the list... India's first-ever marathon over the sea. It's a bridge in both literal and figurative sense. A healthy body is a precious asset, and the focus on fitness benefits both individuals and society. The Sea Bridge Marathon builds on the sustainability premise of Atal Setu by fostering a high level of fitness and the run towards a greener future," said SN Subrahmanyan, chairman and managing director, L&T.
The Sea Bridge Marathon is now the third notable marathon event to take place in MMR after the Mumbai Marathon, which is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race, and the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Marathon, held in December.
While only full marathon participants need to report 30 minutes prior to the race start time, those competing in the other categories must report an hour prior to the start time of their race. Competitors can collect their bibs on Friday, Feb 16 (11am-7pm) and Saturday, Feb 17 (10am-5pm) from the Maha Mumbai Metro Coach Exhibition Centre.