Mallya Jr. prepares to run the full 42km distance in Mumbai Marathon on Sunday

Sidhartha Mallya has always openly professed his love for cricket -- he is team director of Indian Premier League outfit Bangalore Royal Challengers, and fast cars -- father Vijay is the brain behind India's only Formula One team Sahara Force India.


Runaway star: Sidhartha Mallya runs across the Bandra-Worli Sea Link
during last year's Mumbai marathon. Pic/ Suresh KK

However, there's another sporting passion that the Mallya scion keenly pursues -- distance running.u00a0 His reasons are quite strange too. Mallya Jr says running makes one "look good and is a great way to escape." Sidhartha took time off from his preparations for Sunday's Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon to speak to MiD DAY.

Excerpts from an interview

You are one of the few celebrities, who participate in the full marathon. Is it because you enjoy running in particular or are you simply a fitness enthusiast?
I've always been a fitness enthusiast and keen sportsman, but I've started to enjoy running as not only do you look good, you know you're fit as well. It is also a great way to 'escape' and gather your thoughts.