From 10K to full marathon, disabled participants turn Tata Mumbai Marathon into powerful display of courage; while most runners mark their feat in run time and mileage, 42-year-old Ekinath Khedekar will remember this marathon owing to a whole new experience
Rupesh Thakur, along with his wife and daughter; (right) Ramesh Mishra, a wheelchair-bound tennis player from Mumbai
With thousands of Mumbaikars bringing their best to the iconic annual Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM), the disabled community refused to remain on the sidelines, with about 1140 such participants taking to their heels on Sunday.
While most runners mark their feat in run time and mileage, 40-year-old Ekinath Khedekar will remember this marathon owing to a whole new experience. “I have been running marathons and participating in cycling contests for nearly 20 years now. But this time around, the switch flipped,” said the veteran marathoner who finished his 10K on Sunday morning.
“As a completely blind participant, I usually run with support. This time around, the person assisting me seemed to slow down mid-run. I could sense that fatigue was getting the better of her. Soon, she confided that she has Thalassaemia,” he told mid-day.
Thalassaemia affects one’s body’s ability to produce healthy, haemoglobin-carrying red blood cells. As a result, a person may experience fatigue sooner. “I was still stunned after the marathon. Often, we are too caught up with visible disabilities that the invisible ones leave us with a changed perspective,” he added.
Kapil Sahu (left) with Manish Jain, his guide runner
Another runner, 36-year-old Kapil Sahu, ran the whole stretch in a first, reaching 42.195 km in 4 hours 45 minutes. Madhya Pradesh native, Sahu, is partially blind with 25 per cent vision in one eye and completely blind in the other. Working as an accountant for the central railways, Sahu began practising for this day since 2018. Tired of his sedentary lifestyle, Sahu decided to pick up running.
“We practised for this marathon since last August at 5 am, from Shivaji Park to NCPA and back. I took the 3.40 am from Nallasopara every Sunday. Guide runners from HEED India helped us with our core exercises, diet, and practice,” Sahu told mid-day.
Sahu had discussed all the possible speed bumps with his guide, Manish Jain. From waiting at hydration points, making turns, and managing in dingy spots. “I was so engaged in the conversation with Manish that I didn’t realise how the time went by. Just before the run commenced, he shut off the timer and asked me to focus on enjoying myself and making my first 42K a positive memory,” he told mid-day. Sahu dedicates his run to all the first-timers who may be hesitant to make the leap.
Long journey
Rupesh Thakur, who has zero per cent vision, completed his first-ever marathon, walking the entire stretch of 1.6 km marked for the differently-abled with the help of his assistant Om Dubey. The participant travelled from Vasai to take part in the event, turning his personal challenge into a powerful message of inclusion and resilience.
“For me, the walk was not about timing or competition, but about pushing boundaries and proving that physical limitations need not define one’s aspirations. Om is acting as a guide throughout the journey, and with his help, I navigated the route step by step, relying on verbal cues, steady support and mutual trust to complete the distance safely,” said Thakur.
Speaking after completing the walk, the visually impaired participant said the marathon had been a long-cherished dream. “I wanted to test myself and show that with the right support, nothing is impossible,” he said, as his wife and daughter also walked the path alongside him to extend their support in his first attempt.
His assistant, who walked beside him for the entire course, said guiding him was both a responsibility and a privilege. “It was about trust. Every step had to be communicated clearly. Finishing together made it all worthwhile,” said Om.
Organisers said the participation of differently-abled individuals underlined the marathon’s inclusive spirit. “Events like these are not just about fitness, but about giving everyone an equal platform,” said one of the members from the organising committee. As the man crossed the finish line, his achievement stood as a reminder that courage and determination can help overcome even the toughest of challenges.
No med emergencies
Over 2400 medical cases were recorded, with most being minor and exercise-related, including muscle cramps, fatigue, and dehydration. These were effectively managed on site by trained teams. Data showed Bombay Hospital treated 10 runners, with one ICU admission. Jaslok, PD Hinduja, and Lilavati Hospitals managed runners with dehydration or cramps. Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital treated two runners with severe dehydration.
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