Durban runners conquer Mumbai Marathon

A SPIRITED group of South African runners from the Durban Athletic Club recently took on the exhilarating challenge of the 42.195km Mumbai Marathon in India.

The Mumbai Marathon, which is held in January annually and is the largest marathon in Asia, took place last week Sunday, January 18,  and attracted a record number of more than 69 000 Indian and international runners.

Mahesh Ratanjee, 51, ran his fourth Mumbai Marathon and completed it in 4 hours 43 mins and 59 seconds.

Ratanjee, from Glenwood, said he keeps going back "because it is the most entertaining and well organised race".

"This year there was a change in route which made my race even more enjoyable and challenging at the same time.

"Since I have run this race before I was more experienced and more prepared for challenges. My biggest challenge was the humidity. But this race is well equipped for the heat. We were given electrolytes and water very frequently. They also provided us with water sponges, ice bags, and water spray booths to keep us cool," he said.

The marathon also provided Ratanjee with an opportunity to connect with friends from across the globe, including South Africa, Dubai, and Mumbai. Their shared conversations about the Comrades Marathon added a layer of camaraderie to an already special experience.

"The most unforgettable moment is when I met my wife two kilometres before the finish and she pinned my superhero charity cape on. This helped me to complete the Mumbai Marathon in Comrades Marathon style," said Ratanjee.

He said his finish was a qualifying time for this year's Comrades Marathon, which he has already completed four.

Last year Ratanjee took part in The Berlin Marathon.

He said his dream is to complete all the world major marathons before he starts aging.

Joining Ratanjee was Roshun Sunker, 57, from Effingham Heights who described the Mumbai Marathon as absolutely amazing, especially hearing the spectators and fellow runners cheering him on by shouting Go South Africa Go.

"The race takes you along the coastal route in Mumbai and joins the famous Sealink road that crosses over the sea and allows you to view the absolutely beautiful Mumbai skyline.

"I finished this year's race in 5h50mins beating my previous time of 6h11. Our team comprised of about 10 people from South Africa," he said.

Sunker said India holds a very special place in his heart.

"I always wanted to visit India and running in our country of origin was always something that was on my bucket list. Every time I visit it becomes better than my previous visit. What really amazes me is seeing the amount of new high rise buildings that has come up. You can see India growing and certainly heading to be a successful emerging country," said Sunker.

Sunker has completed five Comrades Marathons, four Two Ocean Marathons and a few other Marathons in Middleburg and Swaziland.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE