03 Run the marathon

Now that Mumbaikars have an opportunity to compete in a professionally managed marathon event

Now that Mumbaikars have an opportunity to compete in a professionally managed marathon event, there is no better way for fitness enthusiasts to stretch themselves and go the entire distance the grueling full 42 km marathon.

The marathon is not the classic young man's sport like tennis, where teenagers seem to be clambering the top rungs. Professional marathon runners peak in their late 20s, so the ultimate test of endurance seems to be a good thing to aim for before you hit your 30s.

Participants at the Mumbai Marathon pass by Bandra Reclamation PIC/narendra dangiya

The Procam International sports management company that holds the marathon in the city has acknowledged that runners are setting milestones for themselves. In the marathon's debut year, running places for the Dream Run (7 km) got full in a jiffy. Now, the half-marathon (21) and even the full marathon (42) are full in a few days.

The late 20s are a good time to start training seriously and then try a full marathon. Your body is at a good stage to take the stress of a full marathon. The legs and the heart are in prime condition to go the distance. Start logging your miles as you turn 25, then build up to your first marathon before 30.u00a0u00a0