Mumbai marathon 2007 update

DNA reports the following interesting statistics on the upcoming run:

• 30,000 entries so far — an increase of 2,500 over last year.
• 14,000 participants for Dream Run (closed registration)
• The entries for the Half Marathon (7,000) are also almost taken
• Full Marathon has also found many takers

The "many" part in above was what I found most interesting. How does this compare with the last run's (2006) numbers - check it out right here.

Some more interesting news:

• There's going to be a movie named "Mumbai Marathon" going to be released this January. The movie features Sammir Dattani as a marathon runner.
• SIFY will be doing live streaming of the Mumbai Marathon on their website

Running Log : Dec 17, 2006

• 5 laps @ ~16 mins + 1 lap easy
• Ran out of fuel in 5, forced to make the 6th easy
• Minor ankle pain continuing, I think due to the faster runs. Maybe I need to do at least one easy weekend.

Mumbai Marathon 2007 start times

The SCMM website has finally published the start times, they are as below:

Half Marathon - 6:45 am
Marathon - 7:40 am

Marathon start time continues to be a source of exasperation for non-professional runners... its baking hot by the time the hoi polloi can complete it.

The route map is not yet up, but I dont expect that to change too much from the past years.

Running Log : Dec 10, 2006

• 5 laps (15:24, 15:53, 15:55, 16:12, 16:22)
• average lap - 15:57!
• Fastest run yet... hope to extend this to 6 laps next week
• target for mumbai - 15:40 avg. lap for a sub 2hr (5 laps).

Pune Marathon 2006

Well, this one is not for the faint-hearted for sure. You have to be almost a professional in running to even think about attempting it. I was amazed to hear that they have an official cutoff timing of 1 hr 30 mins for the 21K mark for participants to be allowed to continue further in the marathon. Anything beyond this, and you are sure to have your BIB taken off, and basically you are then on your own to complete the remaining distance!

I read today an experience of a fellow runner who crossed the 21K in 1:35, had the BIB cut off at that point, there was no water beyond 24K, and he still managed to complete the race in 4:03! Amazing!

Whats more surprising is that there is no Half marathon event for Men, thats an exclusive privilege of the Ladies.

That said, I would still stand by the organizers with what they are doing, everyone has their own vision of things, and in this case, it seems to be to promote the event for the elites, rather than the common folks (for whom they do have the 10K run).