By NNN-PTI,
Mumbai : Reflecting the city’s indomitable spirit, thousands of enthusiastic people, including athletes and celebrities, on Sunday took part in Mumbai Marathon for peace, the first such event in the metropolis after the Nov 26 terror attacks, with Kenya bagging the laurels in men’s event.
The race started at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which was targeted by terrorists, and ended at the same venue after the athletes touched another site of the terror strike – the Trident Hotel – on their way.
“I salute Mumbai. It is very powerful and is never going to get scared. The people are showing that the intension behind the attacks has failed,” said renowned actor Om Puri, who joined nearly 40,000 participants who took part in various categories in the Standard Chartered Marathon.
The event was was held amid tight security with additional deployment of personnel and watch towers erected at strategic points to keep a tight vigil along the 42-km route.
The 250,000 USD prize money event saw 150 elite foreign athletes, including 52 women, taking part in the full marathon that has attracted 2,500 entrants.
“This is not just about celebrations but to show our solidarity and that we are all together as one, crisis or not,” said Tina Ambani, wife of industrialist Anil Ambani.
Kenneth Mugara set a new course record to win the men’s title, as Kenya swept the first three places in the men’s event. Mugara finished the race in 2 hours 11 minutes and 51 seconds ahead of compatriots David Tarus (2 hours 12 minutes and 2 seconds) and two-time winner John Kelai (2 hours 12 minutes and 23 seconds).