Women Run For a Special Cause

Sujatha Subraman CHEMBUR

The city is all set to race again. The fifth edition of Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, a major milestone for Mumbai's largest sportcarnival is scheduled to be held on January 20,2008. This marathon was a huge success right from the time of its inception. This year, women from Chembur and Ghatkopar are all set to be a part of this event. Mala Shetty, Chitra Melmane and Anuradha Murthy from the LIoness Club of Vasant Vihar are participating in the marathon to highlight the state of HIV patients.

Tjis club had also produced a documentary film, Ek Aur Prananjali last year, to promote the same cause, in association with Maverick Productions. DR Anuj Saxena, TV actor and CEO of Maverick Productions also acted in the film. The marathon is looked upon as another platform to convey this cause.

"This run will create awareness among the masses about the plight of HIV affected victims and their families", said the members of the Lioness Club.

"A am working very hard by jogging regularly. I hope to run a distance of atleast three km", said. Mala Shetty. Her club president Chitra Melmane is also gearing up for the race. "Every morning, I walk and jog around the diamond garden to improve my stamina", said Melmane.

This year several new onnovative categories are being introduced, "This race is for charity purpose. Thus, we will include Satej, an auutistic adult (20), from Chembur in the wheelchair event", sated the members. All of them are running for the first time with a positive attitude of making a difference to society. Other memebrs of the club view the race as an exciting platform to raise money for charity and create awareness.

According to the members, the organisers have also decided to give preference to those running for a cause.

From investing in proper footwear to paying attention to their diet and exercise the members are leaving no stone unturned to make their efforts a thumping success. They hope to bring joy into the lives of the neglected lot of the society, the HIV victims.