Conquering the Tata Mumbai Marathon: A Journey of Determination, Friendship, and Celebration

Hello, friends!

The Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) – It is more than just a race; it was a journey filled with challenges, emotions, resilience, strategy and friendship. TMM-25 was my first marathon and I ran it to celebrate my daughter’s first birthday, making it even more special. My close good friend, Pankaj Kumar , also ran with remarkable determination and achieved something incredible.

Before TMM, I had never run more than 21KM, so signing up for the full marathon was both exciting and nerve-wracking. With only a month to prepare, I trained under Anant Kachare Sir with Powerful Ultra Runners Pune, gradually building my stamina and in turn confidence. On race day, I focused on taking "one step at a time" and finished with 6 hours and 3 minutes. The last few kms were tough, but crossing the finish line was one of the most satisfying moments. For me, it was never about the time—it was about pushing through and completing the journey.

Pankaj Kumar's Incredible Achievement

Pankaj—someone I truly admire. He set a goal to complete a sub-5 marathon, and he practiced relentlessly to make it happen. He made many sacrifices—gave up late-night parties, stuck to a strict diet, and stayed focused on his target. So, it wasn’t a surprise when he crossed the finish line in an incredible 4 hours and 52 minutes!

What’s even more impressive is how Pankaj stays focused on both his professional and personal goals. He balances them with great dedication, delivering for Blue Yonder and managing projects with the same level of focus and discipline.

Pankaj Kumar congratulations on hitting your sub-5 marathon goal. Watching you push yourself was truly inspiring. You’ve shown that with hard work and consistency, anything is possible. I’m so proud of you (Pankaj Kumar Bhai, You could have given your Inspiration medal to me :P), and I know your achievement will re-inspire people like me to push our limits. Keep it up, my friend!

A Big Thank You to Sravan Dwibhashyam

My heartfelt thanks to Sravan Dwibhashyam, the 5:55 bus pacer. After 25 km, I was feeling completely exhausted. But fortunately, I found the Sravan's 5:55 bus, offering encouragement and support to runners like me who desperately needed it. His run-walk strategy and motivating words kept us going. Thanks to Sravan to helping me to cross the finish line. Sravan, you were an incredible pacer and support during those tough final kilometers—THANK YOU!

A Special Thanks to Coach Anant Kachare

No words can truly justify my gratitude for my Dronacharya, Anant Kachare Sir, and my fellow runners from Powerful Ultra Runners Pune, whose guidance and support played a huge role in my preparation, especially with just one month to get ready. Anant Sir’s training plan not only helped me build physical endurance but also sharpened my mental toughness. It’s because of his support that I was able to finish my first marathon. Thank you, Coach, for everything!

Mumbai: The Heartbeat of the Marathon

Mumbai – the Mayanagari. Running the TMM isn’t just about running; it’s about experiencing the spirit of Mumbai. The city’s energy, warmth, and enthusiasm are unmatched. From the moment we started near the iconic Azad Maidan, the streets of Mumbai came alive with cheers and excitement. People lined up in the streets, waving banners, offering water, and shouting words of encouragement. It felt as though the entire city was running alongside us.

The atmosphere was electric, with music and dance performances lifting runners' spirits. Mumbai’s unique vibe added something magical to the race, making every step worth it. It’s no wonder that TMM is one of the most loved marathons. The city and its people made this marathon a celebration, and I’m grateful to have experienced it.

The Marathon Spirit

I’ve learnt that with the right mindset, determination, preparation and support, we can achieve things we once thought were impossible.

Running a marathon is more than just about finishing the race; it’s about proving to yourself that you are capable of more than you think. TMM-25 has been an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to train for my next one!

Thanks to everyone who supported me and Pankaj throughout this journey. And to all the runners, volunteers, and organizers of TMM-25, a big thank you for making this such a memorable event

See you next year, Mumbai!

— Bhimaray Lagali