Resilient Mumbai prepares to run out from under terror’s shadow

He was speaking from the rooftop of Hotel Trident. The very same hall had been the nerve centre of the operations against the terrorists holed up on the 18th floor of the building,he said.

Around 3,000 traffic constables will be deployed for the marathon. It would show that Mumbai had put behind the trauma and was ready to welcome participants from all over the world,Barve said,backed by Vivek Singh of promoters Procam International,who said there have been no cancellations on account of the terror strikes.

Film actress Tara Sharma said she was gratified to be present at a venue that had been a 26/11 target. Sharma,who has participated in all marathons so far,noted that this year would be special as she expects people of the city to come out and show the indomitable spirit of Mumbai.

Jayant Pendharkar of associate sponsors Tata Consultancy Services said people were running a tough race every day from home to office and back. “This upcoming marathon will be symbolic of the spirit of Mumbai,” Pendharkar said.

The five editions of the Mumbai marathon have so far raised over Rs 30 crore towards charity,with last year’s collection coming to Rs 8.5 crore. United Way,the run’s charity partner,is confident that this year they would cross the 10-crore mark with leading personalities from the entertainment industry chipping in along with 160 corporate teams,who will be donating Rs 2.5 lakh to sponsor a charity of their choice.