Lots in a name
For years now, 13 to be precise, it has been the Standard Chartered Mumbai marathon. This evening, organisers Procam say, the hottest long distance running property in the city is going to get a new sponsor, and so a new title. The multinational financial services company has pulled out after its long association with a race that has revolutionised long-distance running in Mumbai. Today, we have many offshoots of this pioneer event - smaller races, longer distances (Mumbai will host an ultrathon in mid-August) and just the fact that amateur runners are pounding the roads and parks, either to get marathon-ready or simply, run for fun. We will also see the familiar green and blue colours giving way to a new colour scheme. Running paraphernalia, race numbers, sippers, T-shirts, and of course, the banners on the course all await the new entrant.