Mumbai Ultra Marathon, 2025 – The 12 Hour Run.

The Mumbai Ultra Marathon, a unique 100% charity event to raise fund for the Pediatric Cancer patients under treatment at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai is being scheduled on 15^th. August, 2025.

Such an Ultra-Marathon depicts a formidable congregation of “endurance & diet”. Marathon runners are not always blessed with a good physique, but long-distance running is a sport that requires stamina.  It is often said that the reason African athletes, particularly from Nigeria, and Ethiopia excel at marathons is because they inhibit an Ultra-Running Inspiring Diet, which is their source of energy.

Those days are gone, when fads like “increase stamina by consuming protein, such as meat and fish” drew inspirations. Scientific insights have revealed that consumption of carbohydrates, which in turn exhibits glycogens those which are stored in the body contributes to build stamina.

While, Nigeria, boasts of a variety of dishes like Jollof rice, pounded yam, and egusi soup, consumed with stews and soups. In Ethiopia, injera (sourdough flatbread) is central to meals, often paired with wot (spicy stews) like doro wat (chicken stew).

Maverick News, the Digital Partner for this year’s version epitomising humanity, has delved interacting with individuals associated with this noble cause, validating the full spectrum of human emotions, from joy to sorrow, and recognising their role in the human experience, along with fostering understanding and respect between individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and identities.

ANURADHA VENKATARAMANAN – Certified Yoga Trainer & Ultra-Marathoner:

Running since 2015, she leads an all women runners group in Mumbai along with Corina van Dam. She has engaged herself in working towards empowering women by building confidence, breaking down stereotypes, and creating a sense of community.

Moving to Chandigarh from Mumbai last year was not so easy from the humanistic perspective, but destined de-facto spoke else. While she was planning a get together with her roots in Mumbai this August, a thought struck her — “how can I be in Mumbai in August and not run the Mumbai Ultra? That’s just not acceptable!”.

So yes, she has registered! This trip is now turning into a double celebration — reconnecting with friends and returning to the event that’s so close to her heart.

The previous experience –

While sharing her previous experiences, she humbly narrated, “I had the privilege of participating in the Mumbai Ultra 12-Hour Run in 2017, 2018, and 2019 — three unforgettable editions that shaped my journey as a runner. Unlike other races that chase distance or timing, Mumbai Ultra gives you the rare gift of freedom: you just run for 12 hours, no pressure on how many kilometers you cover”.

The looped route, the cheering volunteers, the constant hydration and medical support — everything is thoughtfully planned. It’s not just a race, it’s an experience. The spirit of community, the cause behind the run, and the mental strength it builds are what make it special.

For any runner dreaming of becoming an ultra-runner, this is the perfect event to begin that chapter. Here, the only goal is to keep moving forward — one loop, one smile, one cheer at a time.

While appealing to all the enthusiast aspirants, she has reiterated,

“To all new participants of the Mumbai Ultra — welcome to one of the most empowering running experiences you’ll ever have!

To the women out there: if you’re wondering whether you belong here, the answer is a big YES. Ultra-running isn’t about speed or distance — it’s about courage, patience, and belief in yourself. And trust me, you’ve got all of that.

You’re stronger than you think. See you on the road!”

She was overwhelmed to discover her photo, snapped while participating in the earlier version of the Marathon, published in the previous edition of Maverick News.

RUSHALI THAKKAR:

Rushali’s running journey began in 2016, when she had participated in the Sakhi Minithon at Ghatkopar and managed to successfully complete her never forgetting first run.

What started as a small step quickly became a lifelong passion, after been deeply inspired and guided by Anuradha Venkat and Corina Van Dam, the ambassadors of Pinkathon Tilak Nagar. Their encouragement helped her consolidating both confidence and endurance, eventually thriving to go beyond the usual distances and explore the world of duathlons and ultra-marathons.

Her husband Ritesh Thakkar has remained as a constant source of encouragement — his belief in her has kept her passion for running alive and growing.

While revealing her earlier experiences, she said, “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in a diverse range of events — from half marathons and trail runs to long-duration relays and ultras”. Some memorable milestones include:

Stadium 12 hour’s Relay Run (2018); Winter Run (25 km) in 2018; 06 hour’s Night Run (2019); Trail Run (21 km) in 2021; SRT Ultra (25 km); Ultra Run (35 km); Tata-Ultra (50 km) in 2021 and 2023.

Furthermore, she added, “I was honoured to be the first runner-up at the Igatpuri Mountain Challenge (2019). I’ve also taken part in unique formats like the Virtual Duathlon (March 2021), and have contributed to the community by serving as an 80-minute pacer at the Kutchi Marathon (2019). In 2022, I had the enriching experience of being a Cheer-Leader volunteering at the Goa Ironman 70.3, cheering for athletes and offering encouragement throughout their journey”.

Those experiences have been more than just races — they’ve been powerful lessons in resilience, community, and discipline. “What makes my journey more special is that it continues even today in the Netherlands, where I’ve continued running despite the harsh climate. Whether it’s rain, cold or winds, I’ve kept the discipline alive — proving that true passion transcends weather, geography, or comfort zones. Every event, no matter how successful, offers room for refinement”.

Her suggestions were found to be very much resonating with the core objectives of Maverick News;

Celebrate stories! A story-sharing session or social media spotlight on runner journeys can inspire many more.

The Connoisseuse has appealed, “To every runner out there — whether you’re running your first 5K or your tenth ultra — remember that your biggest competitor is your own doubt. Every mile you conquer is a step toward self-mastery. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. That’s where the magic happens. Respect your body, listen to it, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey”.

“To society: Running teaches us powerful values — discipline, mindfulness, mental strength, and community. These are qualities we need not just in sport, but in life. Let’s move toward a culture that celebrates fitness not just for medals or records, but as a way of living with awareness, balance, and purpose”.

She has demonstrated herself to be someone who’s had the honour of being featured in the Guinness World Records (Plankathon 2018) and the Limca Book of Records (151 Surya Namaskars in 2020), I can confidently say — greatness isn’t about being the fastest or strongest. It’s about showing up, every day, with heart.

KEDAR LIMAYE – Chartered Accountant by profession and Fitness Enthusiast & Marathoner:

Earlier, during 2014 – 2015, while going for a morning walk around Shivaji Park, Kedar started jogging around the park.

Inspired with his physical traits Kedar successfully accomplished his first half marathon in 2015, and eventually participated in many such half marathons with flying colours. These boosted his confidence in exploring the full marathon tracks. Ultra-marathons followed soon.

According to Kedar, Mumbai ultra is very popular amongst runners, as well as regular marathoners all along the Maharashtra particularly in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. It’s a 12 hour run which starts at 5 am till 5 pm on every 15^th. August. Last year he has managed to reach around 37-38 kms, and this year aspires to complete at least 50 kms.

“This will be my second consecutive year and I’m very much keen to participate it. We have our running group called wellness over illness and every group member encourage each other to participate in many activities for health and fitness and this is one of the main events for which we all are looking forward to. I expect huge participation for this mega event”.

While smiling on a pleasing mode, “I’m expecting a better tee shirt than last year, light weight nice dry fit shirt”.

He is confident that alike previous years, everything will be in order like Hydration points, medical care, physiotherapist, food etc. He has paramount expectations from many volunteers, who can come forward in helping the organisers, in the smooth and successful accomplishment of this event.

“Finally, I must say, it’s our own event so support this wholeheartedly by participating as a runner or as a volunteer and even come forward to donate blood on 17th August 2025 and save lives”.

Following the Ultra-Marathon on 15^th. August, 2025, Mumbai Ultra Blood Donation Drive is scheduled across SIX (06) places in Mumbai; Greater Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai locations from 08.00 AM to 08.00 PM on 17^th. August, 2025. The places are:

Dadar: Shivaji Park; Near Kohinoor Square, Opposite Mayor’s Bungalow, Keluskar Road, Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400028.

Bandra (West): St. Andrew’s College, St. Dominic Road, Bandra (W) Mumbai,

Maharashtra – 400050.

Borivali (East): Raheja Old Club House; Raheja Estate, Kulupwadi, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400066

Goregaon (West): Shaheed Smriti Krirangan; Mahesh Nagar, Goregaon West, Mumbai,

Maharashtra – 400104

Thane (West): EEH Runners;

Kharghar: ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre; Sector 22, Utsav Chowk – CISF Rd, Owe Camp, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210.

Writer Suvro Sanyal

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