The billboards are up, the map has been chalked out, milestones are being painted and runners are, well, running. The sixth Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon is here and preparations are on in full swing. An event that started off in January 2004 to get Mumbaikars to congregate has today made a permanent place in the popular consciousness of the denizens.

Mumbaikars have been running for five years now— some for a cause, some to test themselves, but most for fun.

The concept of marathon which was alien to Mumbaikars a few years back, today has people competing with themselves and each other. “Bollywood celebrities, leading industrialists and celebrity gawkers were what formed the main part of the event during the initial years. But over the years there has been a role reversal. The common man has joined the run and the celebrities have taken to the wings,” says celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor who has been a part of Mumbai Marathon since its initiation. Socialite Haseena Jethmalani believes that the marathon has helped create awareness in various fields, like education, women’s rights and human rights. “This time many will be running for the terror attacks victims as well. Just like any initiative, this one has taken time to settle down. Today it is the biggest social event that raises money.”

The first major event after the 26/11 attacks, it will bring with it a strong message of solidarity as well. “After the terror attacks on Mumbai, this is our way of showing to the world that we can fight it out together. We keep talking about the spirit of Mumbai; now we have a platform to exhibit it,” says actress Mandira Bedi who will be taking part in the 7km Dream Run.

The popularity of the marathon has witnessed the increase in the number of physical trainers too. Praful G Uchil and Deepak Londhe started a group called The Strides four years ago with 15 members who trained for the marathon. “The enthusiasm has doubled and today or group consists of 70 marathoners who practice every morning at the Mahalakshmi Racecourse,” says Uchil, who also feels that the marathon has helped raise fitness levels in the city. Fifty-eight-year-old Dr Ashok Khanvte is an instance. “I have done three half-marathons and one full marathon. The event has made people fitness conscious and for regulars this is an annual exercise regime that they eagerly wait for,” says Khanvte who also provides classes on motivational training to marathoners, which is a regular feature now.

For those who missed out on the training sessions, a show called Touching Lives: Marathon Man on NDTV Good Times did the needful. Anchored by Milind Soman, who is running the full marathon, the show helped Mumbaikars shed inhibitions. “Through this show I wanted to create awareness about multiple sclerosis. I also wanted people to know that it’s possible to train for a marathon while maintaining your current lifestyle,” says Soman, who in his sixth consecutive year as a marathoner hopes to leave more of a trail behind.