19 January,2015 08:22 AM IST | | Sundari Iyer & Rohan Koli
Angad Dugal, who participated in the 'Champions with Disability' event of the Mumbai Marathon, had his mother Harpreet Kaur and sister Satsimran walking along with him for moral support for the length of the 2.4 km race
Angad Dugal is carried by his sister Satsimran
Angad walking tall
Angad Dugal is carried by his sister Satsimran. Pics/Rohan Koli
Angad Dugal, who participated in the 'Champions with Disability' event of the Mumbai Marathon, had his mother Harpreet Kaur and sister Satsimran walking along with him for moral support for the length of the 2.4 km race. The 28-year-old had a condition that left him unable to walk until the age of 17. But, yesterday he walked almost the entire stretch of the race and after he crossed the finishing line, his elder sister carried a tired Angad on her back. "I feel proud to be Angad's sister. He walked most part of the race on his own. My brother is indeed a champion," said Jassimran.
Fruity surprise
The sudden rise in temperature didn't spare even the elite athletes participating the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon yesterday with many pulling out of the event mid way or finishing with unexpected timings. But there was a fruity surprise for the runners near the Mayor's bunglow at Dadar. The residents of the area were seen distributing fresh watermelon and peeled oranges to the runners to keep them hydrated. One of the half-marathon runners said, "I was drained. I was expecting a much cooler climate but suddenly the temperatures soared and I felt dehydrated. It was indeed a pleasant surprise to see watermelon being distributed on the route near Dadar. It was indeed a blessing in disguise."
Scot runs 42.1 km with tricolour
Thomas Watson runs with the tricolour
It is very rare to see a marathoner running the 42.1 race holding a national flag. But, Scotland's Thomas Watson ran the Amateur Marathon holding the Indian tricolour. Watson, who has been residing in India for the last 18 months said, "I like this country and its culture. The people here are very loving. I am in love with India." The Scot however ducked the question of which country he loves the most. "Both are equal to me," he said.
Ahmedabad-based Patel runs barefoot
Keyur Patel
Keyur Patel, who came all the way from Ahmedabad to participate in the Mumbai Marathon, completed the 42.1 km race barefoot. "I have been participating in the Mumbai Marathon from last year. But I ran barefoot for the first time. It feels nice to have completed the race in less than four hours," he said.
