21 July,2011 07:17 AM IST | | Hemal Ashar
Registrations are on, new twists to january 15 race
Nine is fine seems to be the motto of the Ninth Mumbai Marathon to be run on January 15, 2012 and registrations for which open today, (July 21).
Rahul Bose, John Abraham and Milind Soman at the Trident yesterday
Announcing the initiative at a glitzy conference at the Trident hotel, Nariman Point on Wednesday evening, the organisors Procam International, have introducedu00a0 new features to an event which rolls out every year in January, with runners soaking the city streets in sweat.
This time, there is something for amateur Full Marathon participants. For the first time, the amateurs (first, second and third place finishers) will receive prize money of USD 1,000, 750 and 500 each in the men's and women's category.
The conference, with sponsors, organisors and eye candy (in the form of event ambassador John Abraham and special guest, former ramp model Milind Soman) introduced the race and gave several details about the 2012 event which deviates a little from the previous one.
Sreeram Iyer of race sponsor Standard Chartered said that the event had woven itself into the social fabric of the city. John Abraham, biceps straining underneath a jacket, said, "As celebrities we endorse a number of products for financial ends.
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In this case (the marathon) it is good to know that the financial end goes to somebody else (charity). I want to continue to be fit and a role model for youth. I want to tell people not to give up and put on your running shoes and show the spirit of Mumbai."
After that gung-ho gab, Rahul Bose, also on the dais, was rather philosophical. He claimed that John, "Brought integrity to the cause."u00a0 Even as he said that, Milind Soman, 42 km-marathon runner climbed on to the stage and Rahul said, "Oh, Milind bhau (brother in Marathi) is here.
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I was once running with Milind and we ran 20 km and Milind never even broke into a sweat." Bose then said this is a city where,u00a0 "A paanwalla can send his son to Harvard, a person who sleeps on the pavement at Marine Drive can become a film star."
In the same way, as the city, Bose said that the marathon is the great equaliser, which unites and never divides, even if bomb blasts are designed with the intent to divide us.
"These are the oxygen lungs to be one. At the marathon, the corporate czar rubs shoulders with the vegetable vendor on the start line. The streets become one egalitarian stage."
After Rahul Bose's profound thoughts, Milind simply said, "I love running. I believe it makes me a better person and it is mystical and magical."
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Charity partners United Way are aiming for a magical figure of Rs 20 crore to be collected in charity this time, while event organisors, Procam's Vivek Singh when asked about the security for the event, admitted, "Security is a concern. The marathon is an event where thousands congregate.
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The police throws a blanket cover over the event and by the grace of God, all has gone well these past years."
Even the divine though, could not save John Abraham, Rahul Bose and Milind Soman from fumbling for words when a journalist asked them, ""Speaking of marathon, what kind of woman would make you go the distance and what kind of woman would you run away from?" The three marathon musketeers played pass the mike as they were stuck for answers and said, "Haven't thought about it."
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Then Rahul Bose did say, "The woman I would run away from? They all run away from me! Have not had much luck there." Then, he told the journalist, laughing, "You should ask serious questions. Aren't you ashamed of yourself?" and the conference closed.
By the way, Milind Soman's jeans-t-shirt-chappals combination looked strange amidst all those dapper guests. Knowing Milind's penchant for the casual, though, one should not be too surprised if he turns up in running shorts and vest at the next marathon announcement. Suits 'n' boots? Oh man, So-man could not be bothered about those.
Timing is all
In order to encourage the participation of serious runners in the Full marathon and Half Marathon, preference will be given to applicants who attach timing certificates with their applications.
In deference to their achievements, these confirmed applicants will then be eligible to a priority line up in the Half and Full Marathon depending on their timing.
The Full Marathon runners will be prioritised in four groups, namely below four hours; four hours to under five hours; five hours to under six hours and six hours and above.
Half marathoners will also be prioritised in four groups, namely under two hours; two hours to under two hours 30 minutes; two hours 30 minutes to under three hours and three hours and above.
How do you register?
Online registration can be done through the event website www.procamrunning.in or the duly filled entry form along with the requisite entry fee can be mailed to P.O. Box No. 11017, Marine Lines Post Office, Mumbai 20.
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Mumbai residents can also deposit their entry form along with the requisite entry fees at 10 selected Standard Chartered Bank branches, details of which are available on the website.
Entry forms will be available at Standard Chartered Bank branches, at the Asian Heart Institute and the United Way of Mumbai office (309 Kewal Industrial Estate, Lower Parel: Mon to Fri: 10 am to 5 pm).
More information can be sourced from the event helpline no: +91 2242020200, Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 6 pm
Women's Quota
To give a fillip to women, there will be a 250 running places in the Full Marathon and 1,000 running places in the Half Marathon reserved for women applicants.
When do you register?
Registrations for the Full Marathon and Half open on July 21, 2011, and close on August 20, 2011 or whenever running places are full, whichever is earlier. Registrations for the Dream Run will open on September 5, 2011 and close on September 10, 2011, while registrations for the Senior Citizens Run and the Wheelchair Event will open on September 12, 2011 and close on September 24, 2011.
How many running places?
The Full Marathon offers 3,500 running places (42 km) while 11,000 places will be available for the Half Marathon. (21 km) The Dream Run, including the Corporate Challenge, will accommodate 22,000 participants. 1,800 entries will be permitted in the Senior Citizens' Run, while 200 entries will be accepted for the Wheelchair Event, putting the total number of entries accepted at 38,500.
What you pay
Full Marathon entry fee
Rs 700
Half Marathon
Rs 700
Dream Run
Rs 600
Senior Citizens' Run
Rs 300
Wheelchair event
Rs 300
