Coastal Road must not confound marathoners

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The route of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, to be held on January 18, has been changed significantly, with the full and half races, 42 km and 21 km respectively, now including Mumbai's new Coastal Road.

One recalls the buzz that was created when the Bandra Worli Sea Link (BWSL) was included in these routes. The Coastal Road is creating the same excitement and perhaps some apprehension for runners looking to achieve a timing goal, as they are not familiar with the topography. Will it be tougher to run on the Coastal Road? Are there some inclines that were not present in the earlier route? The uncertainty may give rise to some unease.

Mumbai's rapidly evolving road and traffic landscape has been woven into the race, which is constantly evolving. While change may keep this exciting, it is important that runners aren't confused.

Amateur athletes, especially, must be clearly guided on the Coastal Route stretch. Will spectators be allowed to stand at a certain point and look at the race, cheering the runners on that stretch? They are not allowed on the Sea Link so will that apply to the Coastal route too? There should be clear signage for both full and half marathoners, route markers, volunteers guiding runners on the correct path, and visible distance milestones. Organisers have to ensure that there are enough water stations on the Coastal Road. Good early morning visibility is vital.

With the vast experience one is sure that this has been thought of, yet, new features mean one is experimenting with the route and all care must be taken to see it is smooth going for athletes. Athletes must be able to say the Coastal as the new infra becomes part of Mumbai's premier long-distance running event.