IT looked as if the television media was just waiting for Ram Singh Yadav to finish.

As soon as the Indian winner of the full marathon crossed the finish line, he was surrounded by TV reporters and cameramen to get the first 'exclusive' byte for their respective channels.

Humble Yadav obliged one channel for a short interview, even if he was running short of breath while talking.

Yadav however, did not know that others had already queued up behind to get a 'one-on-one' chat.

In all this hysteria nobody realised that he had just ran 42.195 km.



Watch us, Qasab!
The thousands gathered for the marathon, had just one message anti-terrorism. While some Dream-runners had their placards punning around Pakistan, others mocked the government's inability to react to the 26/11 attacks.
Among all this, one couldn't help imagine what the only alive terrorist, Ajmal Qasab's reaction would have been had he seen the marathoners. He'd probably realise that though he (and his group) may have killed many, they were nowhere near even hurting the city's undying spirit.

Chopper toppler
Chaos reigned seconds before the elite athletes neared the finish line thanks to one of the helicopters carrying a camera crew.

The chopper got very close to the ground near the finish line and the wind from its blades literally blew away hoardings, temporary dividers, plastic banners, etc leading to a huge mess that could have created a lot of problems.

Thankfully, good sense prevailed and the chopper flew away and the volunteers below got things on the ground in order.

Sea link in 2009?
SCMM race director Hugh Jones did not give out an official word but hinted that he would like to see the race next year run across the Bandra-Worli sea link. The link is scheduled to be completed this year and Jones said it would be a wonderful addition to the event.

"We are looking at additions to the course in the form of the sea link," Jones told Mid DAY yesterday.

Happy ending!
LAST time Leelamma Alphanso failed to reach the finish line due to injury. However, this time India's veteran runner ensured that her career ended with a win.

Leelamma, who finished third amongst the Indian women full marathon, was emotional after her last race yesterday. "It has been a great journey. I recovered with an injury just two months before the marathon.

"The doctor advised me not to run but I wanted to end my career here and I am happy to finish in the top three," said the 40-year-old. Leelamma said she is quitting to pay more attention to raising her children.