The countdown to the Mumbai Marathon has begun, and across the city, runners are putting in the hard yards. With January 18 firmly marked on their calendars, Mumbai’s running community is training with grit and determination, turning early mornings into disciplined rituals. At dawn on Sunday, the NCPA promenade at Marine Drive became a shared training ground for seasoned athletes, amateur runners, first-timers, trainers and well-knit running groups, united by a common goal — to be ready when race day arrives.Miles apart, running the same dreamAmong the runners were two visitors who had travelled continents for this moment. Cathy Campbell, who is studying the History of Science at Harvard University, Boston, was running her first-ever race in Mumbai. “This is my first race and I’m really excited to be here. I loved this prep run today, because it was along the Arabian Sea,” she said. Running alongside her was Mohan Hathi, a fourth-year Harvard student who had experienced the Mumbai Marathon last year. “I loved it so much that this year I brought Cathy along,” he said, smiling as the sea breeze cut through the early-morning humidity. ‘Fitness fuels everything else’For Flight Lieutenant Elvis N Pranil from Parel, running has long been a way of life. With around 60 marathons behind him, mostly half-marathons, he believes fitness fuels everything else. “If I don’t do my daily morning run, I’m not productive at the office,” he said. But for him, the reward goes beyond fitness. “When I’m running, I shut down everything else in my brain. For one-and-a-half hours, I’m in my own head space, manifesting a better life.” ‘Discipline and consistency are of utmost importance’Experienced runners from Ladakh also added strength and perspective to the gathering. Tenzin Dolkar, who has been running since 2019 and won the open category 21 km race last year, stressed the basics. “Consistency and focus on diet are the most important things while preparing for a marathon,” she said. Tashi Ladol, 24, from Leh, who secured third place in the 21 km category in 2025, echoed that discipline is non-negotiable. “I train for two hours every single day,” she said. “Discipline and consistency are of utmost importance.” Running across generationsAt 64, Ashok Maru, a garment exporter from Carmichael Road, represented the enduring spirit of the sport. An amateur runner since 2013, he credits early mornings for his longevity in running. “For a full marathon, I used to run five times a week and clock 80 km every week,” he said. Though he no longer runs 42 km, the habit remains deeply ingrained. More than a medal For Jaya Kurup, a senior corporate manager who has been running for a decade, motivation doesn’t come from podium finishes. “I’ve been running the Mumbai Marathon 21 km every year since 2017,” she said. Her routine includes strength training, up hill runs, yoga and a carefully monitored diet. “I won third place years ago, but prizes are never the motivation,” she said. “I love running. I don’t like indoor gyms. The group I train with is my biggest source of motivation.”
The power of the packBehind the scenes, trainers and group heads worked meticulously to make the morning seamless. Deepak Oberoi, who heads a running group, said every detail is planned with empathy. “I look at it from the viewpoint of what support I would need if I were preparing for a marathon,” he said. “What kind of warmth I would need from a community – that’s what I try to give back.” On Sunday, runners covered distances ranging from 18 to 36 km.Marathoner and trainer Priyanca Walanju highlighted that preparation is not just physical. “Emotional support is extremely important,” she said. Her community programs run for 8 to 12 weeks, with structured long runs, weekly updates and hydration support. “This Sunday was our longest run before the Mumbai Marathon – a full prep run.”
