‘The Mumbai Ultra - 12 Hour Run’

by Priya Jadhav

Over 500 challengers and 2,000 supporters will run to spread the message of “Run Over Cancer” and “Wellness Over Illness” at ‘The Mumbai Ultra - 12 Hour Run’ the 6^th Edition on August 15, 2019 and inspire non-runners to run at least 12 minutes. 

‘The Mumbai Ultra’ was conceived in 2014 as a 12-hour public run on the streets of Mumbai to raise awareness about the tremendous benefits of running. A natural activity for the human body, running brings a host of benefits including maintaining a healthy weight, stronger heart and lungs, more stamina, a stronger body, healthier joints, a happier and more confident disposition, and a ton of friends among its massive community. Running is suitable for almost anyone, being an easy and inexpensive way to stay fit.

“The body is many things to us, including the machinery with which we perform our various activities. It was designed to walk, run, jump, pull, push, stretch,” said Naveen Hegde, one of the core Organizers of The Mumbai Ultra and an avid marathoner.

“When we keep our body in use, we are able to retain our fitness well in our senior years. Else, the body atrophies, resulting in aches and pains as early as the late 20s. So get off the chair, put on your shoes and run,” he says.

Mr. Milind Soman, Mr. Daniel Vaz, Race Director, Dr. Gayatri Thakoor, Medical Director, Mr. Satish Gujaran (First Indian Green Number Holder at Comrades), Capt. Deepak Singhal (Naval Officer), Ms. Sheena Kapoor: Head Corporate Marketing,  Edelweiss Financial Services. Dr. Shripad Banavali (Director TMH Pediatric Oncologist), Mr. Prakash Agarwal (Cancer Survivor running 12 Hour), Mrs Neeru Bajaj ( Tumor Survivor running 12 Hours)

Mr. Daniel Vaz says, “It is indeed an honor to be associated with an event whose sole purpose is charity. It is a selfless venture “of the runners, by the runners and for the runners”. The event is also unique, in that it draws runners to test their mettle at an Ultra-marathon distance with a ‘time based’ element wherein they can run as much as they can and as long as they can. There are no prizes because everyone is a winner.”

“Running is a great way to build resilience, be focused and stay goal-oriented, teaching one how to convert intention into execution. A healthy fitness quotient should be a personal priority and this is something that we encourage at Edelweiss as well. Being associated with the Mumbai Ultra Marathon has always been a joyful experience and we are happy to partner with them once again”, said Mr. Rashesh Shah, a participant and Chairman & CEO of Edelweiss Group.

Mr. Satish Gujaran says, “Mumbai Ultra Marathön is a great initiative by the runners for the runners. It’s giving the runners a great opportunity to run beyond 42km along with their favourite elite runners with the very best support on the race route. And the best part of the run is that at the end of the day, each runner feels satisfied that they are contributing towards saving children suffering from cancer. It’s an amazing concept for the love of the sport.”

Mr. Prakash Agarwal, 41 year old Cancer Survivor and Ms. Lata Alimchandani ( Neeru Bajaj)  61 Brain Tumor Survior are running 12 Hour in Mumbai Ultra.

Mr. Prakash Agarwal, 41 year old Cancer Survior is a true inspirational runner amongst us. He states that his phase during the cancer treatment made him aware of his own emotional strength; Hope and determination to come out better and stronger than what he was before, is what kept him going. He further mentions that running ultras and marathons also embodies similar traits - Determination and pushing one's own limits. Running Ultra could be considered a bit of nonsensical. However, nonsensical people only achieve great things in life.

Ms. Lata Alimchandani, 61 fought from Brain Tumor few years back, started running 5 years back and have ran almost 60+ Half marathons, numerous 10Ks (Podium Finisher in maximum 10Ks) and 9 Full Marathons finishing Abbott World Marathon Majors. She says “I felt much better and became much stronger and confident since the time I have started running. I have gained lot of respect and made many friends than I had before. This is not the only benefit. With any exercise you can not only stay healthy, but eat well. She further says, “If something has to happen, it can happen anywhere - Stay strong and don’t be scared. Live your life today.”

This time though, the event donations have been raised in the name of TATA Memorial Hospital for treatment of Pediatric Cancer Patients.

Edelweiss is the Unlimited Partner, Idealake is the Digital Partner, Dr. Bangera’s Sai Physiotherapy Clinic is the recovery partner, with other partners like IOCL, BPCL, Zee 24 Thas, SRL Phadke Labs, Café Trofima, Menrva, India.com etc. The event is powered by Zee International. The medical team consists of 100 doctors, para-medicos and Physiotherapists coming from KEM Hospital and Sion Hospital will be monitoring the health of runners for 12 Hours non-stop.