From the sole and the soul: Mumbai's running community mourns loss of Mufaddal Hararwala

Mufaddal Hararwala

The running community in Mumbai is grieving the loss of much-loved runner and ‘pacer' Mufaddal Hararwala. The Marol native died by drowning. Official reports stated that his body was retrieved on Tuesday (May 28) from Vaitarna River, Igatpuri where he had gone on a trek. Social media accounts posted in several running groups state that other trekkers with him had stepped out of the water but ‘Muffy' was still in water that was just ankle deep. Then the water level increased with a sudden strong current which seemed to be carrying him away. People did try to save him through floaters and jackets, but all was in vain and the water took him away quickly.

Memories

Said Shivaji Park runner Naveen Hegde, "Mufaddal Hararwala was a genuine soul who spread the message of wellness over illness with running as a lifestyle. May his eternal soul rest in peace." There is a run slated for June 2, at the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) called ‘Run with Comrades'. The Comrades is an ultrathon (90 km) run every year in South Africa. The 2024 edition is being run on June 9. The EEH is a kind of meet ‘n' greet event for runners who wish to meet those who will be going to South Africa to run the Comrades. There are at least 400 runners enrolled for the meet ‘n' greet run, which begins at 6 am on Sunday. Prior to the run, a minute's silence will be observed for Mufaddal Hararwala.

Satish Gujaran, India's Comrades man said, "Mufaddal was a runner full of life and energy. He was always eager to try something different and push the boundaries in running. He had some unique and creative ideas about the sport, which made him stand out."

A true friend

Runner Smita Chowta, who also organises treks, said, "Muffy was a true friend. He was such a helpful and supportive person. He was extremely fit physically and mentally calm. It is still hard to believe he is no more." Runner Kishori Kudecha endorsed the sentiment stating, "He was a fountain of knowledge about running. He would encourage runners to do better in every race, a truly inspirational athlete and mentor."

Prophetic poem

There are heaps of tributes on social media on his passing by runners for ‘Muffy bhai'. Several runners have pointed to an earlier video as ironical and now quite eerily prophetic. In that video, Hararwala talks about death by drowning in a poetic, philosophical verse. It features Hararwala saying in Hindi, "If I drown, say your farewell to me from the shores, but if I emerge from the waters, then believe I will have collected the entire seawater with me…"

Bruno Goveas, race director, the Vasai-Virar Marathon, said, "Hararwala was a regular at the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation Marathon and paced the half marathon for the past three editions. In fact, he had already sent us a message confirming his participation as pacemaker for the 1.45 bus for the 2024 edition to be held on December 8. Fate decided otherwise. He will be missed dearly."

Natural world

Running couple Capt. Pramod and Kranti Salvi said, "He was not just a runner; he was a visionary with out-of-the-box ideas that challenged conventional wisdom. His boldness was most evident when he set the ambitious goal of completing a sub-2-hour full marathon, even before achieving a sub-2-hour half marathon!" Kranti added, "While some might have doubted, his courage to dream big inspired all. His passion for running was matched only by his dedication to preserving our natural world. He was actively involved in saving the Aarey forest, demonstrating a commitment to causes beyond himself."

The Salvis also said ‘Muffy' was an active participant at Mumbai Road Runners (MRR) events and celebrations. The running group wore black on Thursday, May 30, on their morning running session. They usually gather at the Girgaon Chowpatty viewing deck for a warm-up and then head to the beach for the workout, every Thursday morning. The session by the runners shod in black was a mix of the poignant and painful too, with memories of the lost runner.

The Salvis ended with, "Rest in Peace, Muffy! Your impact will forever be felt in our hearts and in the world, you so passionately worked to preserve." The glowing words prove that some runners never run just from the sole, but the soul too.

28 May
Day Hararwala's body was found