With the Mumbai marathon just a day away, everyone - runners and non-runners - has a role to play in making this fifteenth run one to remember.

Even after so many years, the marathon has a reputation that can make every Mumbaikar justifiably proud. Every outsider says that it is the zest of the spectators that is inspiring, their encouragement gives them the extra fuel to make it to the finish line when legs are leaden, lungs are full and the mind tells you to just give up. The cheering gives new strength to legs that are so tired that they can no longer take another step; the crowd's encouragement will drive even an amateur runner to dig deep into their reserves, to put in one last push even when there is no fuel left in the tank.