Mumbai: For 88-year-old Nand Kumar, the finish line was a breeze. Long before he began participating in marathons 10 years ago in Delhi, Kumar was crossing a far more treacherous boundary, the border from North-West Frontier Province to India during the Partition in 1947.
While that historic crossing was born of necessity and survival, his journey across the finish line in his first-ever Tata Mumbai Marathon was fuelled by pure “jolly” celebration. “The atmosphere here is festive,” remarked Kumar, a retired civilian officer from the Indian Navy, who was energised by the DJs lining the route. For Kumar, the final stride at the end of the 4.2km run is a joyful reminder that he is still moving forward, now surrounded by the cheers of a city he visits to see his daughter and granddaughters.Kumar was joined by a fleet of fellow veterans, including 73-year-old Rajinder Singh, a hero of the 1971 war who completed his 125th marathon on Sunday while wearing his signature tricolour turban. The race transformed into a moving gallery of culture and conviction as Andheri’s 75-year-old ultra-runner Daksha Kanavia sprinted in a vibrant mix of Punjabi, Kashmiri, and Maharashtrian attire. Kanavia, who once shared a stage with actor Salman Khan, put it: “Don’t wait for tomorrow. The finish line is yours today.”A retired teacher from Mazgaon, Rashida Chittawala (75), proudly wore her traditional Rida to show that identity and athleticism go hand-in-hand. A participant since 2006, she vowed: “I will participate until my last breath.”The spirit of peace was embodied by Upendra Thanawala (74), a printing professional,who walked the course barefoot as Mahatma Gandhi to spread a message of non-violence, and the sheer joy of the event was captured by 73-year-old Vivek Phadnis, who celebrated his first ‘Silver Run’ by dancing with the police band at Marine Drive.
Even at 82, practicing chartered accountant Anand Agarwal showed no signs of slowing down, bolstered by a family of medical professionals who encourage his passion.
He credits his walking routine and the encouragement of his doctor son for his stamina. Together, these seniors proved that while age is a number, the finish line—is simply another milestone to be crossed with dignity, vitality, and a smile.
