The Possible Dream ? The Story of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon launched in Mumbai

The Possible Dream ?The Story of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, a coffee table book, chronicling the incredible nine-year journey of this path-breaking event, which has metamorphosed into the most eagerly awaited annual event in the city, was launched by Hon?ble Ministers Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Shri Jaidatta Kshirsagar, Shri Anil Deshmukh and Smt Shailaja Girkar, Honourable Deputy Mayor of Mumbai, in the presence of Sreeram Iyer, COO, Standard Chartered, N Chandrasekaran, CEO & MD TCS, Event Ambassador John Abraham, Anil and Tina Ambani, representatives of our partners and a host of other dignitaries at the Hotel Trident, here, on Friday.

Written by Anil Dharker and embellished with pictures that tell their own individual stories, the book has messages from the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Prithviraj Chavan and Jaspal Bindra, CEO Standard Chartered. The book?s foreword has been penned by Anil Ambani, who is a serious distance runner and has participated in nearly all of the past editions of the Mumbai Marathon.

The 184-page hard bound collector?s item, published by Rupa Publications India, brings out the innumerable stories of bravery, inspiration and pride that have been spawned by the event, details the first person experiences of people whose lives have been transformed by the event and touches upon the lives of those thousands of individuals who have benefited from the monies for charity, raised through the event.

Well researched and with detailed interviews and profiles of all individuals and organisations responsible for the runaway success of the event that kick started a Running Movement in the country, the book has chapters that showcase the highlights of the event over the past eight years.

The almost Rs 60 crores raised for charity through the event, the inclusion of the Rajiv Gandhi sea link in the marathon route, the journey of the Marathon Flame from the city of Marathon to Mumbai, the birth of the Marathon Anthem and the breaking of the 2 hour 10-minute barrier for the new course record are some of the highlights of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, brought to life through the book.

It has a separate section devoted to the Event Ambassadors -- World and Olympic champions and world beaters in various sporting disciplines, who have graced the event over the years, with their quotes and observations on the event.

The book also has a section with a selection of award winning photographs, submitted by photographers from various publications for the ?Best Published Photo Contest? that has been an annual post event feature at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.

In his message, Chief Minister, Shri Prithviraj Chavan has said, ?Over the last eight years the Mumbai Marathon has an identity of its own, which has been the catalyst in bringing thousands of sports lovers together on a common platform. This book will allow readers to enjoy the history of the Mumbai Marathon and will become a collector?s item.?

Anil Ambani, in his foreword, has this to say about the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, ?The Mumbai Marathon has come to touch upon the everyday lives of Mumbai?s citizens. It has incubated a sporting and fitness culture that has taken wing in the city, and inspired aspirant runners across the nation. It has also evolved into the country?s single largest charity platform for social giving, benefiting over 250 non-government organizations and thousands of individuals.?

He then goes on to add, ?Of course I have first-hand experience of the magic of its run, I consider myself privileged to have participated in the Mumbai Marathon, in its ?half-marathon? category, for nearly all its years. Its start itself is a heady collective feeling; the chill of the morning breeze touched by the warmth of my fellow runners. Some of us tentative and some filled with expectation. All of us in readiness for the initial steps that will yield to the palpable and infectious adrenaline rush. It is a feeling of a country in motion ? vigorous, vibrant, inclusive and participative.?

Jaspal Bindra, CEO Standard Chartered, in his message to the readers says, ?After the first flag off on February 15, 2004, together with Procam International and all our partners, we knew we had embarked upon a very special journey. Nine years on, I've attended every single one; I still get goose bumps when I see thousands of people cross the start line as the vibrancy and enthusiasm is beyond compare. Each person has a different story to tell - stories of grit, courage, creativity and compassion. When you are out there, caste, creed, colour, gender, social status - nothing matters. What does is your own conviction and determination.?

The Possible Dream ?The Story of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, a hard bound collector?s item, has been priced at Rs 2,500/- and will be available at all the leading book stores and outlets, throughout the country, as well as online in two weeks from now.

RASRAJ