The Possible Dream–The Story of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, a coffee tablebook, chronicling the incredible nine-year journey of this path-breaking event,which has metamorphosed into the most eagerly awaited annual event in the city,was launched by Hon’ble Ministers Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Shri JaidattaKshirsagar, Shri Anil Deshmukh and Smt Shailaja Girkar, Honourable Deputy Mayorof Mumbai, in the presence of Sreeram Iyer, COO, Standard Chartered, NChandrasekaran, CEO & MD TCS, Event Ambassador John Abraham, Anil and TinaAmbani, representatives of  our partners anda host of other dignitaries at the Hotel Trident, here, on Friday.

Written by Anil Dharker andembellished with pictures that tell their own individual stories, the book hasmessages from the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Prithviraj Chavan andJaspal Bindra, CEO Standard Chartered. The book’s foreword has been penned by AnilAmbani, who is a serious distance runner and has participated in nearly all ofthe past editions of the Mumbai Marathon.

The 184-page hard boundcollector’s item, published by Rupa Publications India, brings out theinnumerable stories of bravery, inspiration and pride that have been spawned bythe event, details the first person experiences of people whose lives have beentransformed by the event and touches upon the lives of those thousands ofindividuals who have benefited from the monies for charity, raised through theevent.

Well researched and withdetailed interviews and profiles of all individuals and organisationsresponsible for the runaway success of the event that kick started a RunningMovement in the country, the book has chapters that showcase the highlights ofthe event over the past eight years.

The almost Rs 60 crores raisedfor charity through the event, the inclusion of the Rajiv Gandhi sea link inthe marathon route, the journey of the Marathon Flame from the city of Marathonto Mumbai, the birth of the Marathon Anthem and the breaking of the 2 hour10-minute barrier for the new course record are some of the highlights of theStandard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, brought to life through the book.

It has a separate sectiondevoted to the Event Ambassadors — World and Olympic champions and worldbeaters in various sporting disciplines, who have graced the event over theyears, with their quotes and observations on the event.

The book also has a sectionwith a selection of award winning photographs, submitted by photographers fromvarious publications for the “Best Published Photo Contest” that has been anannual post event feature at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon.

In his message, Chief Minister,Shri Prithviraj Chavan has said, “Over the last eight years the Mumbai Marathonhas an identity of its own, which has been the catalyst in bringing thousandsof sports lovers together on a common platform. This book will allow readers toenjoy the history of the Mumbai Marathon and will become a collector’s item.”

Anil Ambani, in his foreword,has this to say about the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, “The MumbaiMarathon has come to touch upon the everyday lives of Mumbai’s citizens. It hasincubated a sporting and fitness culture that has taken wing in the city, andinspired aspirant runners across the nation. It has also evolved into thecountry’s single largest charity platform for social giving, benefiting over250 non-government organizations and thousands of individuals.”

He then goes on to add, “Ofcourse I have first-hand experience of the magic of its run, I consider myselfprivileged to have participated in the Mumbai Marathon, in its ‘half-marathon’category, for nearly all its years.  Itsstart itself is a heady collective feeling; the chill of the morning breezetouched by the warmth of my fellow runners. Some of us tentative and somefilled with expectation. All of us in readiness for the initial steps that willyield to the palpable and infectious adrenaline rush. It is a feeling of acountry in motion – vigorous, vibrant, inclusive and participative.”

Jaspal Bindra, CEO StandardChartered, in his message to the readers says, “After the first flagoff on February 15, 2004, together with Procam International and all ourpartners, we knew we had embarked upon a very special journey. Nine years on,I’ve attended every single one; I still get goose bumps when I see thousands ofpeople cross the start line as the vibrancy and enthusiasm is beyond compare.Each person has a different story to tell – stories of grit, courage,creativity and compassion. When you are out there, caste, creed, colour,gender, social status – nothing matters. What does is your own conviction anddetermination.”

The Possible Dream –The Story of theStandard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, a hard bound collector’s item, has beenpriced at Rs 2,500/- and will be available at all the leading book stores andoutlets, throughout the country, as well as online in two weeks from now.