Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025: Arti Agarwal and Vani Subramanian, two women pacers, guide runners with inspiration and strength | Representational Image
Mumbai: Mumbaikars are eagerly awaiting for the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) 2025, which is all set to take place on January 19. Runners who break records or those who participate in the race, defying personal or health challenges, always become the talking point. However, those oft-forgotten are pacers, who encourage participants to push their limits, while acting as their guiding light on the race track.
As the name suggests, pacers’ job is to help runners maintain a consistent pace so that they smoothly achieve their target times. From the start line to the finish, they also provide logistical support, grabbing water or energy drinks from aid stations to keep runners focused on the race.
Pacers carry flags or balloons that display their designated time goal, making it easier for runners to follow them through the crowd. Despite their vital role, pacers remain unsung heroes and even when spoken about, their contribution remains under-appreciated.
This year, the TMM will feature 32 pacers; 15 in full marathon, nine in half-marathon and eight in the 10 km race. Symbolising gender inclusivity, the third category will feature an all-woman pacer lineup. The stories of Arti Agarwal and Vani Subramanian, who are among the pacers for full and half marathons, respectively, are a shout-out to women empowerment.
Agarwal, 42, who is the assistant vice-president at JP Morgan and mother of a 12-year-old daughter, is a seasoned pacer for a gruelling 42 km full marathon. “This is my third year as a full marathon pacer at the TMM. Pacing is not just about steady splits – it’s about motivating runners to keep going when it gets tough and ensuring they finish strong,” said Agarwal. “The TMM is more than a race, it’s a celebration of resilience and togetherness. Being part of their journey is deeply rewarding,” she added.
Vani, 36, is a tech professional at Google, who discovered her “love for running” during Covid in 2021. With the support of the Jayanagar Jaguars running club in Bengaluru, she trained for her first half marathon at the TMM in 2023. Her achievement includes a podium finish in her age category at the 2024 Adani Ahmedabad Half Marathon.
“The TMM holds a special place in my heart. I consider running it a yearly tradition. The electric atmosphere and sense of community keep inspiring me. Running has taught me resilience, not just in facing physical challenges, but in all areas of life. Every race feels like a celebration of strength and perseverance,” said the mother of two.
Other remarkable TMM pacers include Vijay Venugopal and Rajul Ranka (full marathon), and Sagar Patil, Manju Narsingha and Puja Jhunjhunwala (half marathon). The all-woman pacer lineup in the 10 km race includes Ayesha Mansukhani, Urmila Bane and Dr Bhumika Gupta, among others.
WOMEN PACERS
“Pacing is not just about steady splits – it’s about motivating runners to keep going when it gets tough”
Arti Agarwal, asst VP at JP Morgan
“Running has taught me resilience, not just in facing physical challenges, but in all areas of life”
Vani Subramanian, Google professional