Flashback / pack of elite runners from the 2019 edition of Tata Mumbai Marathon (Photo: by arrangement)

The 2021 Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) is scheduled to take place on 30th May.

A related statement dated February 9, 2021, available on the website of the event organizer concerned, Procam International, said, “ with cautious optimism and hope, this decision has been taken after deliberation and collaborative efforts with the state and civic authorities, including the Indian and International Athletic bodies. Guided by the prevailing government protocol, Procam International will look to conduct the on-ground event, with limited participation in the Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10 Km runs. While limited numbers will run from their scheduled location, participants from across India and the world, will be able to run as one with TMM from a location of their preference, via the official TMM 2021 App.”

The event organizer will continue to monitor the situation keeping the safety of participants and support staff in mind, the statement added.

“ Details including format of the race, registration details, safety measures, protocols, and participant requirements will be shared at a later date,” the statement said.

While the last edition of TMM happened in accordance with the normal practice of holding it in January, the months thereafter till now were affected by pandemic, lockdown and the phased process of restoring old normalcy through progressive relaxation of lockdown. In India, from among major events in running, only the 2020 Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and the 2021 Chennai Marathon managed to host truncated physical versions; the rest were cancelled or had to stay content with virtual formats. However, following the Chennai Marathon which featured several hundred amateur runners on a race track away from the city, the momentum has been slowly building. For instance from the world of ultra-running, over January-February, stadium runs were held in Bengaluru and Mumbai. In March, the Ageas Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon is scheduled to take place in the national capital.  

(The author, Shyam G Menon, is a freelance journalist based in Mumbai.)