Senior citizens gear up for Mumbai marathon

Randip Chopra, 65, had run the first Mumbai marathon in 2004 along with his wife, completing the 21-km half marathon. On Sunday, after a gap of nine years, the Andheri residents will run again, this time, in the Senior Citizens' 4-km race. Mugdha Variyar reports.

Randip Chopra, 65, had run the first Mumbai marathon in 2004 along with his wife, completing the 21-km half marathon. On Sunday, after a gap of nine years, the Andheri residents will run again, this time, in the Senior Citizens' 4-km race.

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"We had moved to Australia several years back, but continued participating in long-distance running there," said Chopra. "After we returned last year, we decided to be part of the Mumbai marathon again. Since I don't have enough practice, I will run in the Senior Citizen's category this time. Next year, I will train for the half marathon," he said.

The senior citizen's run on Sunday will see the participation of 1,150 elderly, with some looking to represent good health and some eager to mix with other members in the age-group.

"I want to send out a message that it is important to maintain one's health, even in old age. That is why, I have been participating for the last eight years," said 76-year-old Devilal Khandelwal.

For JN Pande, 79, the marathon is an occasion to mix with others his age. "The highlight of the event is that I get to mingle with other people who come to participate. It is thrilling when people cheer for us," said Pande, who stays with his wife in Bandra. Pande has been training for the run with a group of 20 elderly.