Mumbai Marathon: Social awareness, cultural displays run hand in hand

Mumbai: From creating awareness about HIV/AIDS to protesting against violence against women, from child rights to opposing casteism, from organ donation to child education, many took to running, walking and even waltzing along the Dream Run stretch to highlight a cause. From Worli to south Mumbai, runners were welcomed with the pounding of drums and dance moves of artistes from remote areas.

Naresh Talima (73) walked on his hands, a runner from Bengaluru carried a placard promoting organ donation while another participant displayed his support for people with dwarfism. The entire 6-km stretch was dotted with participants from all walks of life. “I am a senior citizen but perfectly fit. Fitness is the true mantra to stay young,” said Mr Talima.

Manas Kumar (25), an IT professional from Bengaluru, said that he participated in the marathon to abolish caste discrimination.

Explaining the presence of dance and music at the event, Divya Tawde, a performer from an Ambernath-based troupe, said, “The Lazim and dhol are to motivate runners to complete the race.” A group of men also executed bhangra steps to egg the runners on.

Expressing joy at the sight of the dancers, 65-year-old Amarjeet Singh Chawala, said, “Today I completed the Half Marathon. I have been participating in the marathon for last 14 years. The weather was good this morning but humidity increased later on due to which running became difficult. But still, I ran with energy.”