Mumbai (Reuters): Thousands of people are participating in an annual marathon in India's western Mumbai city on Sunday.
People from all walks of life and across age groups are taking part in the 14th edition of the "Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon", jointly organised by financial services company, Standard Chartered, and the civic body administering the city, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Mayor of Mumbai city, Snehal Ambekar, said that the event sent a strong message that people believe in unity. "All Mumbaikars (residents of Mumbai) eagerly wait for this marathon. It is jointly organised by Standard Chartered and BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation). Through this marathon, a good message is delivered that through unity we can achieve success," said Ambekar at the event.
According to local media reports, nearly 40,000 participants are taking part in this year's edition, one of India's richest races with a prize pool of $350,000. Maharashtra Governor, C. Vidyasagar Rao, flagged off the half marathon earlier in the day.
There are two categories in the marathon - a full marathon of 42 kilometres and a half marathon of 21 kilometres.