Drawbacks:
-Didn't receive acceptance letter/package
-People didn't give accurate answers to questions and referred us to read the event "manual" or website, which did not have all the information
-Returning of the timing chip, BIG minus (more than two hours in the queue)
-Medical aid point didn't have athletic tape or plasters
-Sports drink offered only once (?), and in the same bottle as water
-No food stops (or maybe just didn't notice them)
-Marathon started later than half marathon

Positive:
-Event itself
-Spectators
-Other runners

I had read and heard comments that the race was poorly organized in previous years and while there were some problems, the race went off pretty well.

The bad:
There was contradictory information on the website, I never got the info packet and mandatory "acceptance letter" by mail which had been promised. It turned out I didn't need the letter to get my bib after all. The expo was bare-bones, and there was no T-shirt! That's a first, but it explains the cheap ($25) registration fee for this marathon. The start area was confusing and the (understandable) tight security was a problem, as the soldiers didn't seem to understand that we people in running shorts with race bibs actually were supposed to be there. I finally made my way through some barricades to the start corral, although hundreds of half-marathon runners were still wandering around the area in confusion 20 minutes after their race had started.

The marathon started at 7:40, far too late for this climate as slower runners finished under a blazing hot sun, and with high humidity, no wind and little shade, the last 10K were just brutally hot. There is absolutely no excuse for the late start, especially since the half marathon started at 7:00. Water was plentiful but sports drink was in the same bottles as the water and colorless, so it was hard to tell what we were being handed, and the volunteers didn't always tell us correctly. Besides, the sports drink was awful; it was like plain sugar water. I couldn't stand it and instead relied on Shot Bloks and Sport Beans.

Finish line was kind of disorganized, I had to hunt down my medal, and finish line food was... a box of crackers! Finally, the timing chip return line was terrible. People were waiting over an hour to get their deposits back. Fortunately I did not get a chip, for that very reason. Did I mention the heat?

The good:
This was a great running tour of a fascinating, vibrant city, even the part where I almost got run over by an ox! Crowd support was tremendous, the Mumbaikars (residents of Mumbai) are determined to make it a major international event. Traffic control was fine, even for stragglers; volunteers were numerous and helpful; and water and (foul-tasting) sportsdrink were plentiful. Ice cubes at 30KM, which I dumped in my hat, were a big help in the heat (just don't eat them, as I'm told they are not safe). It's a mostly flat course, with just one small hill that you pass twice, and except for the heat, it would be described as fast. Despite the drawbacks I would highly recommend this race to anyone who wants to experience some adventure in a marathon.

This is regarding the return of the chip after the race. After running the race for more than 2 and half hours, we were made to stand for another 2 hours in the queue to return the chip. Only when I reached the counter did someone come up with the idea of getting a courier to handle these certificates and 1000Rs. This should have been sorted out well before the race. I do not understand how do you expect 4 counters to attend to around 4,000-5,000 people having the chip. And no wonder this led to frustration amongst people leading to even more annoying arguments with the event crew. Moreover, some people didn't get their timing certificates despite running the full 21 KM with the chip, and this after waiting for 2 hours. Please do take care of this matter for the next marathon.

Actually I was on a marathon - photographing, taking a backpacking tour in Asia from November 22, 2004 till April 18, 2005, running the Bangkok Marathon on November 28, and one week later the Singapore Marathon. After the Mumbai Marathon I still did run in Kathmandu, but due to lack of training, I only did the half marathon.

Considering the sheer unbelievable enthusiasm of the many spectators, the Mumbai Marathon was the most memorable and fascinating race I ever did run. Against this, all the failings concerning handling left baggage and finding the start line are easily forgotten. It was the exact date of my 67th birthday and it seemed to me that most spectators hardly could believe that it's possible to run the full marathon at this age. So frenetic was the applause when I passed! I was interviewed during the run (obviously live on TV), and some kilometers before the end of the race, I was even offered flowers and birthday congratulations by a lady, who must have seen me on TV before and therefore knew that it was my birthday. Also after the race, while still in Mumbai, I got birthday congratulations of people who recognized me by my white beard. :-).

Once I'm over 70, I intend to do a similar trip again, and if possible, I will also take part in the Mumbai Marathon once more.

I ran the half marathon in 2005 - the first one for me - and was surprised to see the crowds. I've never seen such supportive crowds anywhere else!!!

I ran the Dream Run 7KM race -- it was almost a farce. With over 35,000 people participating and hardly any serious runners, it was kind of difficult to weave through the crowd and run in the time you stipulated.

Most of the people were there for the "spirit" (no denying that running for charity is a good cause, but there was no running "etiquette" of sorts) and had no intention of running. I hope next year the management at least makes 2 separate lanes for the walkers and the runners.

Fantastic on participatory enthusiasm. Good organization considering the scale. Spectators need to be more supportive. Just ran the half marathon, and all was fine except at the most crucial point - the finishing stretch - the time when you burn your final cylinders and scorch the last 500 meters. Last year, half-marathoners had to wade through dream runners. This year it was the senior citizens. They occupied the entire width of the road, ambling in the park. Wouldn't even make way. This after running almost 21K and you're running on empty, one has to scream to make way and still experience utter apathy. The organizers need to seriously think this over. Maybe the lesser races ought to have different routes. Or at least, a lane should be dedicated to those coming in from the more serious races. It ruined what was otherwise a fantastic experience and excellent organization.

I ran the Mumbai Marathon in 2005 and though I completed the race, I have not yet received my certificate.

This was a true-to-life eye-opener to what the human machine can do if adequately maintained. Expecting this event to occur in 2006, a phenomenal number of people must have been motivated to improve their fitness.

Last year I did the Dream Run and this year the half marathon.

Anyone finishing the marathon after 3:30 and half marathon after 1:35 was doomed to 'run' with the dream 'walkers' at the most critical time (i.e., the finish), when you don't have the energy to wade through thousands of revelers. Bag pick-up took 1 hour and chip return 45 minutes.