Thousands take part in Mumbai marathon 2009

Thousands of enthusiastic people, including athletes, on Sunday took part in Mumbai Marathon, the first major international sporting event in the metropolis after the November 26 terror attacks, with Kenya's Kenneth Mugara winning the men's title.

The 250,000 USD prize money event saw 150 elite foreign athletes, including 52 women, taking part in the full marathon that has attracted 2,500 entrants.

The race started at the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and ended at the same venue after the athletes touched another site of the terror strike - the Trident Hotel - on their way.

"This is not about celebrations but to show our solidarity and that we are all together as one, crisis or not," said Tina Ambani, wife of industrialist Anil Ambani.

Actress Sharmila Tagore, who was joined by her daughter Soha, said "It's not just a marathon. This cause means a lot to me."

The winner of the men's and women's full marathon would be richer by USD 31,500.