Start training for the Mumbai Marathon, runners!

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Chances are that most long-distance runners have logged their ‘long run' this past Sunday as the New Year has dawned. Many of these runners may be running the 42-km distance in the upcoming Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) scheduled for January 18.

While accomplished runners, or those running for years do know how to prepare, it is vital that those who are not prepared or under prepared do not attempt last-minute efforts to complete the distance and then enter the race. It is simply too late to make any kind of effort for the full TMM distance and if training has been insufficient it is better to opt out from the beginning.

Marathon followers over the years, support staff which includes medical staffers enroute, who see the race, the runners and injuries up close, they are the ‘eyes on the ground' have spoken about how Mumbaikars are better prepared for the half (21 km) and full (42-km) distance than before.

As we become ‘a running city/country' with numbers of runners and we do not mean elite athletes simply runners for health/fitness/personal goals increasing hugely through the years, the 42-km will be crowded through very soon. The running boom is welcome but let us see that running knowledge too improves with it and of course, training which should be enough for a marathon.

Even the seasoned runner will tell you that 42-km is a very long distance and one must go in fully prepared.

Debut runners must have done substantial pre-race workouts to undertake this safely. There will always be that odd runner who may complete the run even with no training but overall it is risky and not advisable if not prepared. Run safely champions.