They run their businesses… they also run the marathon

Many Corporate Czars Participate In Asia's Richest Marathon

    India Inc put its best foot forward at the 10th edition of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, chucking tuxedos to don sports gear on a cold Sunday morning to run for a cause close to its heart. 
    Corporate czars such as Anil Ambani (Reliance Group), Anand Mahindra (Mahindra & Mahindra), Deepak Parekh (HDFC), Sajjan Jindal (JSW), Gagan Banga (Indiabulls) and Niranjan Hiranandani (Hiranandani Constructions) participated in Asia's richest marathon. 
    "Running the marathon is what I look forward to the most every year. This year was particularly exhilarating with a personal best timing of one hour 39 minutes and 11 seconds (almost five minutes ahead of his previous year's timing). I believe in the simple philosophy: Worship your work and worship your body. We can probably buy every comfort we need, but we can't buy a new body. Training for and running the marathon is the best start I could have for 2013," Ambani told TOI. The 53-year-old Ambani, a regular participant, was dressed in a black Tee numbered 9999 and his iPod plugged in his ears. Ambani was cheered by his better-half Tina. 
    Every corporate czar who hit the road supported themes from girl-child education to environment and empowerment of investors. Mahindra, who participated in the Dream Run along with 400 employees of Nanhi Kali, which supports education of the girl child, raised Rs 50 lakh for the cause. But he appeared dismayed by the enormous litter generated. "It's as if the marathon was a tsunami leaving behind mounds of debris." 
    Banga said, "It's the best organized marathon. The Mumbai police were also super." 
    Jindal ran the dream run along with better-half Sangita. 
    "I have been participating for nine years. It's the spirit of Mumbai that brings me here every year. Fifty thousand people running for a cause together, braving the cold. Isn't that great?" said Parekh. 
    Hemant Bakshi (47), executive director–home and personal care, Hindustan Unilever, said, "Running was fantastic this year as well." 
    Sidhartha Mallya, director of Bangalore IPL and son of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, gave the marathon a miss.

RUNNING FOR A CAUSE: Anil Ambani (Reliance Group), Deepak Parekh (HDFC), Anand Mahindra (Mahindra & Mahindra) and Reserve Bank of India governor Duvvuri Subbarao