Mumbai: The Tata Mumbai Marathon once again proved it is more than a test of endurance. As thousands ran through Mumbai’s streets, many carried causes close to their hearts — using the city’s biggest sporting event to speak up for animals and the environment.Mumbai-based NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs (WSD) took part in the marathon to “lend a voice to the voiceless”, spreading awareness about sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs as a humane and scientific solution to population control.“For me, this run is a way of saying thank you,” said Vidhita Chainani, who began caring for a single stray dog outside her building years ago — a number that soon grew to 40. “I realised that just feeding wasn’t enough. Sterilisation is what actually controls suffering. That’s when I connected with WSD. They treated and sterilised dogs free of cost. Running today is my way of supporting that work.”Farah Dotiwalla, a long-time volunteer with WSD, said running for the organisation felt natural. “This cause is my belief and a part of my life. WSD gave me direction to channel my love for dogs into real action. I’ve even passed this lifestyle on to my five-year-old child,” she said, urging citizens to “educate themselves and not be driven by fear”, adding that co-existence with animals is rooted in science, nature and culture.Environmental concerns were equally visible along the marathon route. Over 400 citizens rallied behind the cause of saving Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Many did not run, but stood cheering runners with striking posters demanding that the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) draft plan proposed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) be scrapped.Calling the ESZ draft “a recipe for climate disaster”, Nishant Bangera, who ran with the Save SGNP message, said the plan allows real estate development in forested areas. “This will lead to concretisation and deforestation of Mumbai’s only green lung. Its existence is directly linked to our health and the future of Adivasi communities,” he said.Bangera, running his fourth Mumbai Marathon, also flagged concerns about high air quality index levels and fewer water stations along parts of the route. “The marathon is Mumbai’s cultural heritage and always electrifying, but these are issues organisers must address,” he added.As runners crossed finish lines and supporters waved placards, the message was unmistakable: at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, every kilometre run can also be a call for a kinder, greener city.
