Running enthusiasts from Nagpur heading for Mumbai marathon

NAGPUR: The high profile Mumbai marathon attracts best talent from faraway continents. But there are a few enthusiasts from the city who too are heading to Mumbai for the run. They are no athletes and most have never run a marathon. The condition that they can run by supporting one of the NGOs associated with the event has enabled them to pit their stamina against the best in the world.
Running for a couple of kilometres everyday is not enough for 30-year-old city businessman Yash Gandhi. "Taking part in the Mumbai marathon has always been on my wish list," he says and adds that he has been preparing for this event for the last sixteen weeks. "I had set up daily targets and gradually raised the bar each day," he says. Happy with the results, Gandhi also did cross training and took consultations with a physiotherapist to build stamina. "I am going to run with minimalistic shoes, which are akin to running barefoot. I've consulted a physiotherapist on the right methods of running to avoid injuries." All set for the full run of 42. 195km, Gandhi says, "The whole idea is to test my physical limits."
Though not a sportsperson, 31-year-old Sameer Sahu says that he is running the marathon so that he can prove his physical and mental stamina. "I have been a swimmer and used to swim for long hours but have no records to show," he says. Aiming to run the entire length, Sameer says that he has put in just one month of training. "I have read a lot about it and watched many videos to understand the technicalities of running a marathon." Taking part in the Mumbai marathon to savour the vibrant environment Sahu says, "Every runner says that one has to experience the feeling of completing a marathon to know it. I want to live that moment."
That thrill of completing the last lap is what's egging on 38-year-old businessman Amit Panchmatiya. "It's very rare for someone to take up running to get a high. But I'm preparing for the event very seriously and want to run the entire length," he says. Describing running as a complete exercise, he says that he wants this culture to grow in the city too. "I want Nagpurians to understand the benefits of regular running. I wish such events would take place here too in the same professional manner."
Thirty-year-old Kashyap Chamaria, who is all set for the Mumbai event, says that the city is buzzing with runners some of whom even go abroad to take part in marathons. "When I started running 10 months back to shed weight I came across many serious runners in the city," he says and laments that fact that there is no professional organization which would take up this event on a regular basis. "Nagpur has a sports culture but there are no avenues or events happening here to show talent."