by ABFRLadmin | February 10, 2025
The streets of Mumbai pulsed with energy on 19th January 2025, as over 65,000 runners took on the challenge of the Tata Mumbai Marathon. From seasoned professionals to first-time runners, people from all walks of life showed up with one goal: to push their limits.
And guess what? Our ABFRL family was right there, in the thick of it. Let’s take a look at how they took on this challenge.
A Global Marathoner
The TATA Marathon, one of the highly anticipated events in Mumbai, was a seamless run for Mr. Anil Malik, President, Company Secretary – who is in a league of his own.
One of the top five runners in India in his age category, his passion for sports ignited in his school days. What started out as a way to stand out from the crowd has now become a way of life!
His core belief? “You can achieve anything with passion and hard work.” But he doesn’t sugarcoat the process. For those of you aspiring to run a marathon, here’s what he has to say about getting started – running demands discipline, sustainability, and years of consistent effort. Not months. Years. As he specifically points out!
For most of us, running the full Tata marathon of 42.2 km sounds like a strenuous feat. But in his words – “It’s pretty normal for me. Now the only challenge is when I set a time target for myself.” That’s the kind of mindset that sets elite runners apart.
But what about the rest of us, those aspiring to become marathoners? Let’s take a look at the lessons from our peers.
The Stable from ABFRL
Not everyone in our team started as a pro. In fact, for many, this marathon was a journey of rediscovery, resilience, and sheer willpower.
Restart. Refocus. Run.
For Pallavi Singh, Asst. Manager, Sourcing, Pantaloons, running had become a distinct memory. A passionate sportsperson since early days, she left running for her career – until she joined ABFRL and found an opportunity to get back on track! Speaking about the process she says, “The most important thing is to be humble, be ready for new challenges, and have a hunger for a healthy life.” She fell in love with running all over again and has already set her sights on two more marathons this year. Wishing you luck Pallavi!
The Ultimate Test of Strength and Willpower
Speaking to us about what motivates him to take on such an intense physical feat, Harkanwar Singh, Asst. Manager, Sourcing KW, Pantaloons, tells us, “Completing a race like this brings a deep sense of achievement, proving that hard work and perseverance can pay off.” I already see these traits in my colleagues, day in and day out. Might I say most of you could become raging marathoners? Something to consider perhaps.
From Humble Beginnings
A rookie like me though, is looking for the simplest motivation. And this came from marathoner Abhishek Hegde, Asst. Manager, Company Secretary, ABFRL Corporate. His advice? Start slow, stay consistent, and prepare well. He emphasises on the importance of eating healthy, staying hydrated and running at your race pace to be ready for the big day. Finding my confidence in your words, sir!
Trading Punches for Paces
On the other side, our in-house former boxing champion Rohan Pawar, Senior Manager, Central Procurement Cell, Pantaloons, is setting tough goals. After running a successful marathon, he now plans to run two others this year itself. His secret? Running 10 km every alternate day and 15-20 km on weekends, combined with boxing training. If that’s not commitment, I don’t know what is!
Learnings We’ve Picked Up
As we listen to these incredible stories, it becomes clear that marathon running is not only about physical endurance, but also about being determined to achieve something – a quality that extends to our professional lives as well. Each runner faced their own challenges, followed different training methods, and had unique motivations, but the underlying principles remain the same. Here are some key takeaways that go beyond running and apply to any goal worth chasing:
1. Consistency is key – Whether it’s running, fitness, or life, progress doesn’t happen overnight. You have to show up, day after day, through the easy runs and the tough ones.
2. Preparation makes the difference – Training isn’t just about logging miles; it’s about building endurance, eating right, and resting well. Without the right preparation, even the strongest motivation won’t carry you to the finish line.
3. Mindset matters – Every runner, whether a first-timer or a pro, faces challenges. The difference? How they approach them. A strong mindset turns obstacles into stepping stones and setbacks into learning experiences.
These are lessons all of us can take something from. So, keep going, stay prepared, and most importantly, believe in the journey.
How to Get Started
If these stories have inspired you (or at least made you consider lacing up your running shoes), here’s how you can start:
1. Build your running foundation – Start small. You don’t have to run 10 km on day one. Begin with short runs and slowly increase your distance. Strengthen your legs with basic exercises like squats and lunges.
2. Commit to a race – It’s easy to say, “I’ll start running someday.” But when you sign up for a marathon, that “someday” has a deadline. Don’t let the word “race” scare you though. You’re competing with yourself, not the world.
3. Follow a smart, sustainable training plan – Find a plan that fits your lifestyle. Running 3-4 times a week, cross-training, and taking rest days will help you avoid injuries.
4. Trust your training and enjoy the race – On race day, don’t overthink it. Trust your training, take in the atmosphere, and savour the moment. There’s nothing like the energy of a marathon – the cheers, the camaraderie, the sheer determination in the air!
In the end, I’ll say this – whether you sprinted to the finish line, powered through every kilometer, or simply laced up and showed up, you’re a winner in every sense! And to everyone who participated in the Mumbai Marathon – take a bow! Your dedication is inspiring, and your stories prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
I’m fairly motivated, are you guys too? If not, maybe this is your sign. Maybe next year, it’ll be your story we’re telling. And while we’re at it, here’s the complete list of runners who lined up to take on the Marathon – make sure to give them a cheer when you see them!
Anil Malik – President, Company Secretary
Gurucharan Singh Gandhi – Head HR, Madura Fashion and Lifestyle, ABFRL
Rohan Pawar – Senior Manager, Central Procurement Cell, Pantaloons
Puneet Bansal – Group Manager, Finance & Commercial
Pallavi Singh – Asst. Manager, Sourcing, Pantaloons
Pravin More – Senior Executive, Category MW, Pantaloons
Akshay Dhavade – Senior Executive, SCM, Pantaloons
Abhishek Hegde – Asst. Manager, Company Secretary, ABFRL Corporate
Mahesh Chavan – Assistant Manager, Category KW, Pantaloons
Atul Rane – Manager, Marketing, Pantaloons
Ajay Gupta – General Manager, Finance & Commercial, Pantaloons
Sandip Gurav – Asst. Manager, Sourcing MW, Pantaloons
Siddharth Mishra – Asst. Vice President, Planning, Pantaloons
Harkanwar Singh – Asst. Manager, Sourcing KW, Pantaloons
Mukul Sharma – Asst. Vice President, Central Procurement Cell, Pantaloons
Vaibhav Kolhe – Assistant Manager, Corporate Sustainability
