IITians are invited to participate in an epoch-making event on Sunday, 20th January 2008, the fifth running of Mumbai Marathon. Mega-Plans are being put together by folks whereby for every IITian or his / her family member who crosses the finish lines (6 km, 21 km or 42 km) in the race, Rs. 1 lakh will be donated to your IIT by various corporate houses.

• Register for the marathon at http://www.mumbaimarathon.com
• Write to iitian_runner@iitbombay.org to confirm participation, tentative distance and current level of preparedness ... be sure to include IIT year of passing, degree and other details
• Join the YahooGroup iitian_runner to network with IITian runners

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Background

IITians have always led the pack the world over, whether in technological breakthroughs, intellectual debates or social causes. In today's fast-paced world, one global evil that is surfacing is the decaying health and fitness of the current and future generations. Even with the state-of-the-art medical science, the only way forward is a sensible fitness regimen coupled with healthy nutrition. Nothing can exemplify that path than an individual who trains and finishes a challenging race like Mumbai marathon. And while many may tread, who can lead that path better than the cream of this nation, er, world: An IITian?

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Course of Action

Come, blaze the path on Sunday 20th Jan 2008 on the streets of Mumbai. Be a part of the saga of 26 miles 385 yards and 50000 feet (25000 people are expected to run).

A. Run the dream run starting from CST at 1030 am through Marine Drive for a 6 km run or walk OR

B. Run / walk the half-marathon (21 km) from CST through Marine Drive, Sophiya's , Jaslok, Haji Ali and back at 7 am OR

C. Do the ultimate, run / walk the full marathon (42 km) from CST through Marine Drive, Haji Ali, Worli Sea Face, Shivaji Park, Bandra Bandstand and then back at 8 am.

All under the IIT banners flying high, under the glares of TV and press cameras, with the escorts of Navy helicopters, and bands playing marching tunes, and PYTs (pretty young things) cheerleading all along. Applauded by hundreds of thousands of Mumbaikars as you gallantly gallop on its pristine roads, its the day Mumbai is at its best. And you are welcome to bring your family members and friends to participate too (though the corporate funds will accrue only for family members finishing, not friends).

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The Price

75 days of training, slow and easy. Healthy diet. Adequate nutrition.

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The Prize

Enviable glances from near and dear ones, as you train. A fitter you. Stories to boast for a lifetime. Appropriate certificates to adorn your walls. Even photos, interviews, medals and souvenir t-shirts. And for everyone of you and your family members finishes, a corporate house will donate Rs. 1 lakh (yes, you read it right) to your alma mater.

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Also...

Along the way, you get a free access to a mailing list exclusively for IITians giving training tips, shoe selection guide, motivational stories, injury prevention, latest trends on health and nutrition, etc. Camaraderie. Encouragement. A structured way to hone your abilities in discipline, goal-setting, and leadership.

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The Future

Plans are in the offing to organise a similar kind of event in the USA, with the running of New York City Marathon. So those of you who cannot make it to Mumbai on 20th Jan, don't dispair. NYCM is very much there and it will on the first Sunday of Nov 2008. In that event, the corporate sponsorships will be coming for the USA companies. So let the training continue.