14th edition of Asia’s premier distance running event, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon shattered previous records by raising INR 32.93 crores for charity in aid of multiple causes including Health Care, Education, Disability, Underprivileged Communities, Women Empowerment, Animal Welfare, Environment Conservation, Grassroots Sports Development, Elderly Care, Gender Equality, and Social, Civic, and Community Development through the efforts of its Philanthropy Partner, United Way India.

Commenting on this edition’s effort, Jayanti Shukla, Executive Director, United Way Mumbai, said, “SCMM highlights the generosity of numerous people who want to make a difference. As official philanthropy partner, United Way Mumbai facilitates fundraising for numerous causes, making SCMM the single largest philanthropic sporting event in India. The SCMM charity figures have risen steadily from INR 1.44 crores in 2004 to INR 32.93 crores in 2017.

She further added, “This time round, our theme for the charity aspect has been “Run Exceptional,” showcasing the outstanding efforts by people who have chosen to make their ‘run exceptional’ by raising funds for worthy causes. The response that we have got from the corporate sector has been overwhelming as always. Each and every one of these amazing individuals has gone beyond dreaming about change by actively working towards it. They have lived up to the spirit of the SCMM and made their run exceptional!”

The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has consistently galvanized the NGOs, India Inc. and individuals to bring about a social change.

• The top three NGOs to raise funds were Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care, Isha Vidya; and Amar Seva Sangam, which raised over INR 6.58 crores collectively.

• Change Icons, are true crusaders for social change – Mihir Doshi; Husband-wife duo Sankara Raman &Ramani Sankara Raman; Villy Doctor; Abhay Jasani; and Anand Mahindra have collectively raised over INR 4.13 crores. Mihir Doshi

• The Younger Leaders category was introduced in 2016 with an aim to encourage young philanthropists and instill the act of giving from an early age. This year, over 136 young leaders below the age of 21 years including 24 who were elevated to Change Runner, raised INR 1.97 crores for their respective NGOs

• 169 Change Runners raised over INR 11.92 crores

In his concluding remarks, Vivek B Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International said, “The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in the last 14 years has gone from a dream to one of India’s largest charity drives, and nothing makes us happier than to know that this effort continues and grows year after year. The marathon inspires individuals to be the change they want to see in the world; to make an impact, no matter how big or small. With the curtain drawing on the successful 2017 edition, we are grateful for all the support and faith our stakeholders have bestowed upon us and contributed to this sporting and social revolution.”

Today, Procam’s distance running events have emerged as the largest cause agnostic fundraising platforms in the country. Since 2004, they have brought to light causes of more than 700 NGOs, raising over INR 261 crores in charity.