Mumbai Marathon 2024: Defending Champion Gopi T and Runner-up Aarti Patil to headline the Indian Elite line-up

MUMBAI, 11 JANUARY, 2024 (TGN): The 2024 Tata Mumbai Marathon is set to witness over 56,000 participants with an additional 2900 runners taking part virtually through the TMM app, the event’s organisers announced here on Thursday.

Having finished as the fastest Indian male a year ago, Gopi T will be looking to successfully defend his crown at the 19th edition of the $405,000 Gold Label Road Race due to take place on Sunday, January 21.

Aarti Patil, who finished runner-up among the Indian elite female participants in 2023, will also be back in action this year, as will two-time former runner-up Jigmet Dolma, with qualification for the Paris Olympics the season’s big goal for a number of elite runners.

Last year’s edition famously witnessed new course records being set in both, the international elite men’s and women’s categories, as Ethiopian duo Hayle Lemi Berhanu (2:07:32) and Anchialem Haymanot (2:24:15) made the most of the cool temperatures on race day to etch their names in the event’s history. Both runners will be back to defend their titles.

Organisers said this year’s elite field features seven men and two women who have clocked personal best times under the TMM course record marks.

The Indian men and women marathon winners will earn Rs 5,00,000 each, further incentivised with a Rs 2 lakh course record bonus. In the half marathon category, Asian Games silver medallist Kartik Kumar and bronze-medallist Gulveer Singh will be the leading contenders and will be challenged by TSK 25K 2023 winner Sawan Barwal. Organisers said the event’s signature race — the marathon — has attracted over 11,000 participants for the first time.

“The past six months have been phenomenal for Tata Mumbai Marathon, as we hit new records with the teeming registration count,” said Vivek Singh, jt. MD, Procam International."

Deepak Kesarkar, Guardian Minister, Mumbai & Minister for Education, Govt. of Maharashtra said, "Tata Mumbai Marathon is the pride of India. It is not just a marathon, but it is a run for a cause. Mumbai is really proud to have Tata and TCS, as the flagbearers of this event. The kind of donations that are raised for various organisations is really praiseworthy. Because of such, the heritage of philanthropy is kept intact. Mumbai is very much similar to London with the kind of structures that we have. This is another attraction for all the participants who are coming from all over the world to participate. I welcome the event and we are there to extend our help. Our honourable CM and Deputy CM will be coming personally for the event. 

We are all for the slogan #HarDil Mumbai which is in the hearts of Mumbaikars and Indians." Adrian Terron, Head of Brand and Marketing, at Tata Sons said “We are proud to be associated with the Tata Mumbai Marathon, an event that embodies athletic excellence and community spirit. With over 56,000 participants, including Mumbaikars and runners from across India and the world, TMM 2024 is set to be a remarkable display of human endurance and spirit. It will be truly inspiring to see each participant, from the elite to the first-time marathoners, pushing their boundaries to achieve the extraordinary. We extend our best wishes to all the participants, and hope that they have a successful and memorable running experience.” 

Gopi T and Aarti Patil headline the Indian Elite field The US$ 405,000 prize money event will be spearheaded by the Defending Champion and the first Indian to win the Asian Marathon Championship in 2017 - Gopi T. Also toeing the start line will be 2020 champion Srinu Bugatha and Tirtha Kumar Pun, the 2023 Vasai Virar Mayor’s Marathon winner. Last year’s runner up Aarti Patil will be gunning for her maiden title and will be challenged by Jigmet Dolma, the runner-up in 2017 and 2019. The Indian men and women marathon winners will bag INR 5,00,000 each, further incentivised with an INR 2,00,000 course record bonus. In the half marathon category, Asian Games Silver Medallist Kartik Kumar and Bronze-medallist Gulveer Singh will be the main attraction and will be challenged by TSK 25K 2023 winner Sawan Barwal. Ujjwal Mathur, Sr. Vice President & Country Head, India Business, TCS, said "As we step into the New Year, TCS is thrilled to kick off 2024 with the Tata Mumbai Marathon, a celebration of resilience, togetherness, and the invigorating power of sport. 

As title sponsor of the most iconic marathons in the world, the Tata Mumbai Marathon holds a special place in our commitment to sports and well-being. Our association with this iconic event reflects our brand ethos, emphasizing self-confidence, community spirit, and a positive future,”. Chinmay Dhoble, Head Retail Liabilities & Branch Banking, IDFC FIRST Bank, said, “We are thrilled to partner with the marquee marathon event, TATA Mumbai Marathon that celebrates the city of dreams, Mumbai. 

This event marks another year of our collaboration with the largest marathon in Asia. This association reinforces the Bank’s commitment to be involved in our customer’s journey, both fitness & financial. We look forward to an event that inspires camaraderie and honours their #JourneyToTheStart!”.;