SCMM-2009

It was a day of convergence, redefining the meaning of the word spirit. And it was spirit of the city which bounces back every time someone tries to trample it.

Mumbaiikars from all corners of the city, in all shapes and sizes, from all religions and creeds, experienced and novices, children and grand parents, students and corporate honchos, sons of soils and immigrants, desis and expats, amateurs and professionals hit the road yesterday- event was Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon - 2009.

Mood was subdued, as memories of terror attacks happened less than 2 months ago were still afresh in everybody's mind. When dream runners exited from Azad Maidan they faced hind entrance of Kama hospital which had experienced fall of city's top cops, race-start marked a true tribute to martyrs. Further ahead, gargantuan and imposing facade of CST terminus stood even stronger than before and gothic statues gracing the city passed on its energy to athletes. When cloister unfolded through the gothic and art-deco buildings of 'Bombay', next turn to welcome the dream runners was headquarters of Bombay-Baroda and Central Railways, or Western Railways as its is known today. its seasoned grey and white building, second child of Steven after 'VT' Terminus, woken up by thumps of sneakers from its Sunday morning siesta, looked anything but old. After almost 3kms, the sea of Mumbai, dwelling near back-bay, refreshed the runners. Folks from Oberoi Towers and Chabad House, up and running from the nightmare they had seen were there to cheer us, brushing aside their own grief. Indian navy choppers hovering over chowpatty, reminded the waters of this country are in the best hands.

Flyover near Marine Lines tested the stamina of the runners, many of slowed down and just casually trotted waving hands to the people residing in apartments along the route. Another kilometer, and we were at the finishing line at the Azad Maidan, where all runners, tanned and exhausted, but still full of fervor, shared their moments with others. Half marathon runners carried their medals with pride. Corporate teams, wearing their company shirts, made the place look like a small informal gathering of India Inc of sorts. Kyani Bakery and Hotel, one of the few remaining Irani restaurants in city, hosted tired teams with alike swiftness and service. Bruun maska, bhurji and chaai were served, underlining the fact that no Mumbaiikar is a real Mumbaiikar unless he swears by Iran chaai. Mr. Farrokhji was sitting patient at the counter, sportingly neglecting noise and songs of the teams, as there was no 'sorryno' that day!