I created this fundraiser so that Jayprakash can get a charity bib to run his first Tata Mumbai Half Marathon in Jan 2024. After spotting Jayprakash running on marine drive at the crack of dawn a few times on my morning run, I was keen to learn more about his passion for running. Turns out, he has been running every morning for over 10 years and says it really helps him stay fit both mentally and physically.I asked if he would want to run a 'timed half marathon' with me...and with his approval, we signed up for the Bandra Monsoon half marathon in September earlier this year. We started the race together with 60 other runners at 5:15 AM and I could sense the excitement and nervousness for his first ever marathon. After pacing together for most the race, we split ways ...I wasn’t sure he would finish as he seemed a bit uncomfortable. To my utter surprise, I saw Jayprakash cruising down the finish line only ~10 minutes behind me. It was heartwarming to hear him speak to his son with so much pride - “beta, aaj mujhe running key liye medal mila” (I got a medal for running today).

Jayprakash uses a feature phone, doesn’t have an email address, know his blood type or have digital copies of his IDs – which are basic requirements to register for a race in Mumbai. I’m hoping this can serve as an example for organisers to make these events more inclusive in the future.

Im looking forward to running the Mumbai half marathon with Jayprakash in Jan 2024 with your kind support - no amount is too small! Mohit Chhatrapati / 9819071571