Tragedy Strikes Mumbai Marathon: Two Fatalities Amidst a Sea of Over 58,000 Runners
Tragedy Strikes Mumbai Marathon: Two Fatalities Amidst a Sea of Over 58,000 Runners
In a somber turn of events during the 19th edition of the annual Tata Mumbai Marathon held on Sunday, two individuals, Suvradeep Banerjee (41) from Kolkata and Rajendra Bora (74), tragically collapsed and died, while 22 others required hospitalization. The marathon, flagged off by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, drew a massive participation of 59,515 individuals from various categories.
A statement from the Asian Heart Institute expressed grief over the demise of Banerjee and Bora, both of whom collapsed during the race and were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Dr. Vijay D’silva of the Asian Heart Institute revealed that among the hospitalized, 19 have been discharged, with 1,820 runners requiring medical assistance mainly for issues such as muscle cramps, sprains, minor injuries, bruises, exhaustion, and dehydration.
Reports from Nair Hospital indicated that Banerjee suffered from exhaustion, impacting his kidneys and liver, while Rajendra Bora experienced a heart attack, as confirmed by a doctor from Bombay Hospital.
Despite the unfortunate incidents, the streets of Mumbai were alive with the energy of 59,515 participants engaging in seven categories, including the full marathon, Dream Run, Senior Citizens’ Run, and the 1.3-kilometre Champions with Disabilities Run. Ethiopian runners dominated the full marathon, with Hayle Lemi Berhanu and Aberash Minsewo securing victory in the men’s and women’s races, respectively.
The event, with an increased participant count from the previous year’s 55,212, marked a resurgence after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Notable figures such as Rahul Bose, Kalki Koechlin, Tara Sharma, Milind Soman, Gulzar, and Priya Dutt participated, adding to the event’s star-studded lineup.
Despite the challenges and tragedies, participants shared stories of personal triumphs and fitness journeys, emphasizing the marathon’s significance beyond a mere race. The Mumbai Marathon, more than an athletic competition, was celebrated as an embodiment of life and the indomitable spirit of the city, echoing the sentiments of participants like Rajan Honavar, a 64-year-old cancer survivor and advocate for an NGO, who described it as a “celebration of life and Mumbai’s undying spirit.
