In a tragic turn of events during the annual TATA Mumbai Marathon held on Sunday, two participants, including a 74-year-old man, lost their lives, and 22 others were hospitalised due to dehydration and other health complications. The deaths have cast a shadow over one of the most celebrated marathon events in the country, which draws participants from across the globe.
The two deceased participants were identified as Suvradeep Banerjee, 40, a software engineer from Kolkata, and Rajendra Bora, 74, from Mumbai. Banerjee, a seasoned full marathoner, collapsed near the Haji Ali Junction, a prominent landmark along the race route. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Rajendra Bora, who was participating in the half marathon, slumped to the ground near a petrol pump opposite Marine Drive, close to a popular pizza outlet. Despite efforts to revive him, he too was declared dead after being taken to a nearby hospital.
Both men were reportedly in good physical health prior to the event, with Banerjee having participated in several full marathons in the past. Bora, though older, was described by friends and family as an active individual who enjoyed running and staying fit. The exact cause of their deaths is yet to be confirmed, but authorities suspect cardiac arrest in both cases.
According to a police official, 22 other participants were also hospitalised due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health issues. The high humidity levels and warm temperatures on race day may have exacerbated the physical strain on the runners, leading to a spike in health-related incidents. Most of those hospitalised are reported to be in stable condition, though some remain under observation.
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The TATA Mumbai Marathon, now in its 18th year, is known for attracting thousands of runners from different parts of India and abroad, with participants ranging from elite athletes to first-time runners. While the event is generally marked by high spirits and celebration, the unfortunate deaths have raised concerns about the safety and medical preparedness for such large-scale endurance events.
Event organisers expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that they are working closely with the authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatalities. Medical teams and ambulances were stationed at various points along the marathon route, but the swift nature of the collapses made immediate intervention difficult in both cases.
The tragedy has sparked conversations about the physical demands of marathons, especially for older participants, and the need for more stringent medical screenings and monitoring during such events.
