Marathon achievement

He is 76-years-old and severely affected by Parkinson’s disease from which he has been suffering for the past decade. But this was no deterrent for Zend M. Zend of Yazdani Bakery who participated in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon on January 15, 2012. Leaning on a stout staff for support and accompanied by his attendant Sonu, Zend completed the Dream Run with grim determination. The six footer still has an iron grip as will vouch anyone who has shaken his hand. Hobbling from the starting point at Azad Maidan to Flora Fountain and back, the septuagenarian was thrilled at his achievement and said "people clapped” when they saw him participating in the walk.

Zend Zend: a promise fulfilled

"I ran for my nine-year-old granddaughter Zenaida,” he informed those at the finishing line. He had promised to accompany the youngster in the marathon, but she was unable to participate as a fever confined her to bed on that day. "A promise is a promise,” Zend averred, and he had certainly fulfilled his.