Overwhelming response for Mumbai Marathon

The Standard Chartered Mumbai marathon, to be run on Sunday, February 15, has received an overwhelming response, with the organisers deciding to stop accepting entries.

The Full and Half marathon will begin at 7.15 am while the Dream Run kicks-off at 9.45 am.

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The Asian Heart Institute, which will provide medical care for all participants in an emergency, has 30 of its patients who have undergone by-pass surgery running the Dream run. A doctor, who has been training with the patients, will run along with them.

Dr Aashish Contractor, who has run the full marathon in London and also many half marathons in the United States, will join the run, mainly to assist participants. Dr Contractor said participants usually develop muscular-skeletol problems. That includes twisting an ankle, cramps, sprains, a pull in the leg muscle. The other risks are heat related, like dehydration and exhaustion.

Those taking part in the run have to fill a form, which has several health-related queries. If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you will need to consult a doctor before running.

The Asian Heart Institute will also provide a free stress test to all participants over 40 years for the full marathon; over 50 years, for the half marathon; and over 55 years, for the Dream run.

Runners finishing among the top four in each category will be given a dope test.

Those who have trained less are likely to have more health problems while running. Those who have never run a marathon/half marathon are at a greater risk, and doctors feel it is better they don't take part. If they are taking part in the event for fun it is alright if they run/walk, say doctors at the institute, adding that running fast without practice could prove very dangerous.

Along with their numbers, runners will be provided brochures that will have health related tips.

There will be a base station at the start and finish which will have 50 volunteers manning it.

Along the route there will be doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. Seven aid stations have been set up at 'D' road near Churchgate station, Chowpatty, Hughes road before the Kemp's Corner flyover, Haji Ali, Nehru Centre, Worli sea face and the Air India building.

Each aid station will have 9 to 12 volunteers with a physiotherapist/doctor in charge. Near each station will be stationed a cardiac ambulance with a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon and an anaesthesian.

All races start from opposite the Chhattrapati Shivaji Terminus. Participants are expected to reach Azad Maidan at least an hour-and-a-half before the start of the event they have entered for.

Runners can collect their 'Running Number Bib' from the registration desk at Azad Maidan between Thursday, February 12 and Saturday, February 14, between 11 am and 7 pm.