Environmental organisation Awaaz Foundation has flagged serious concerns over deteriorating air quality in Mumbai and the potential health risks it poses to participants of the Tata Mumbai Marathon scheduled for January 18. It has urged civic and pollution control authorities to conduct advance air quality monitoring and issue timely health advisories.

Mumbai has experienced sustained haze and smog-like conditions since January 1, with air quality frequently falling in the moderate to poor categories. While poor air quality affects the general population, marathon runners face heightened risks due to prolonged physical exertion and increased inhalation of polluted air.

Ahead of the Mumbai Marathon in January 2025, Awaaz Foundation had conducted a citizen science exercise measuring PM2.5 levels along the marathon route during early morning hours. Readings ranged from approximately 95 µg/m³ to over 150 µg/m³, exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board’s 24-hour standard of 60 µg/m³ and far surpassing the World Health Organization guideline of 15 µg/m³.

The measurements were taken at the same time runners are on the road, when pollutants often remain trapped close to ground level, increasing exposure risks.

Following the 2025 findings, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board deployed mobile air quality monitoring vans along parts of the marathon route. The move highlighted the importance of route-specific, real-time air quality data, particularly for large outdoor sporting events.

With air quality again deteriorating in January 2026, Awaaz Foundation has called for:

*    Early deployment of MPCB’s mobile air quality monitoring vans along the marathon route
*    Public sharing of monitoring data with BMC, health authorities, and marathon organisers
*    Issuance of advance health advisories for runners, volunteers, and spectators
*    Transparent communication by marathon organisers on air quality risks

Studies indicate that marathon running significantly increases inhalation rates. In polluted conditions, this can aggravate asthma, trigger respiratory distress, and increase cardiovascular strain, even among healthy individuals. The Foundation has cautioned that without advance monitoring and warnings, participants may be unaware of the risks.

“Awaaz Foundation has urged authorities to adopt a proactive public health approach rather than last-minute responses, stressing that systematic air quality monitoring and early advisories are critical to ensuring the safety of participants and maintaining the credibility of the Tata Mumbai Marathon as a responsible public event” said Sumaira Abdulali, founder, Awaaz Foundation.