Ready, get set, go!

The marathon is not just a yardstick to measure the physical and mental fitness of a long-distance runner. It's also a means of drawing attention to specific causes and pressing issues facing society as a whole. It is in this spirit that the annual Mahindra World City (MWC) Marathon enters its seventh edition on February 2nd.

Ajoy, a die-hard Chennai marathoner, says "Some run for a particular cause, others for fitness and a few for the fun of it. The goal is to complete the race. Marathons inspire and invoke a sense of accomplishment especially in those overcoming mental instability".

The MWC marathon is being held in association with Nanhi Kali, an initiative offering primary education for underprivileged Indian girls.

Hafiz Khan, founder of Ezone India, organizers of the event, said "The idea of having this run is to empower women. We are inviting a lot of women entrepreneurs, runners, inspirers and motivators to grace the occasion and to showcase the wonderful achievements of women. This is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality education for everyone.".

Over 8000 runners are expected to gather for the event.

Part of MWC Marathon's proceeds will be donated to Nanhi Kali (meaning little bud), which was started against the backdrop of spiraling population growth, low levels of female literacy and low participation of women in the workforce, apart from social issues such as child marriage and child labour that are particularly common in rural India. It has so far reached out to over 370,000 destitute girls across 14 states in the country.

Mahindra World City is India's first Special Economic Zone and integrated business area. It is a collaboration between the public and private sector supported by the Mahindra Group and TIDCO.