Bubka has arrived for the marathon

His statue looms high in the heart of Donetsk, the commercial capital of Ukraine, which is not surprising. Over the years, Sergey Bubka has created and broken his records over 30 times at numerous instances in pole vaulting. On Sunday, the Gold medalist from Seoul Olympics 1988, will be flagging of the TATA Mumbai Marathon.

In pole vaulting, the athlete goes over five metres from the ground, landing back on a mat. Compared to any other track event, the pole vault sees the most injuries. Luckily for the six-time world champion, Bubka has never faced any serious injuries. “It was a small group, it was only the coach, in fact. It is excting when you run with a stick and after you jump, you fly. But if you do it wrong, you can kill yourself; it is serious event. My coach was intelligent, who created interest and taught me in a right way,” Bubka recalls.

The Ukrainian, who dominated the pole vaulting scenario for around 15 years, has applauded his Indian counterparts, like every other foreign athlete. “I am not able to mention many things. I know your country is very sporting. I know you guys do really well in cricket, tennis shooting, golf... I wish great success to your athletes,” said the Olympian while addressing the press on Thursday.

In a career spanning 20 years, Bubka represented Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) for half of his years and Ukraine for the rest, after the dissolution of the USSR.

Owing to the conflict in his background, Bubka is excited to hear that South Korea and North Korea may march together at the Winter Olympics, which commence from February 9. “I personally am very excited. I consider that the International Olympics Committee is doing an incredible job to unify nations and bring peace,” commented Bubka.

As far as the marathon goes, Hugh Jones, race director said, “There is a slight change this year along the route around the 30 km point. With Dr Annie Besant Road being made available to us after three years, it has allowed us to do away with the zigzag that was done to make up for distance at the top of Bandra.

“These two changes in practice are very helpful. We have dropped two U-turns, and inserted three right angle turns. We have blocked two 180 degree turns and inserted three in the last 770 meters of the course,” he announced on Wednesday.

For the convenience of all Half Marathon participants, there will be a free shuttle service. A total of 55 BEST buses will be on duty from 3.30 am till 5.15 am, which will shuttle people to the venue from different locations. The BEST Shuttle bus services include:

 1) Central Participants (travelling by Central Railway line)—20 buses shall be operating from Currey Road Station (Central Railway) i.e. Lower Parel East.

2) Western Suburb Participants (travelling by Western Railway line)—20 buses shall be operating from Mahalaxmi Railway Station (Race course Side).

3) Western Suburb Participants (travelling by Car / Radio Taxis) taking drop off - 15 buses shall be operating from Doordarshan Kendra.

All these buses will shuttle from their respective pick-up points to “Love Grove bus stop” at the Junction of Worli sea face road and Dr Annie Besant road. The last bus from the respective locations will leave by 5.15 am sharp, so as to reach the Half Marathon venue on time.

Participants who will be travelling by car/radio taxis via Dr Annie Besant road to Doordarshan, have to drop off at Doordarshan Bhavan and take a shuttle to Love Grove bus stop. Participants who will arrive by road from South Mumbai in cars, will be checked for the Bib at the Haji Ali junction and further allowed to come till Atria Mall for the drop off.

For the convenience of the participants, the following facilities are available along the route:

Water: 1.5 lakh litres
Water Stations: 27
Medical Stations: 12 (including 2 Base Camps)
ORSL Restoration Stations: 9
Nestlé Refresh Zones: 11
Cool Sponge Stations: 11
Toilets: 343
Chemical Toilets on Road: 72, Urinals 33
On route Public Toilets: 5
Ambulances: 11                                                              
Doctors on Duty: 500
Policemen on Duty: 9,000          
Security Guards: 1,600                                                 
Volunteers: 1,400