Discover How Running is Transforming Into a Vibrant Community Activity in India

Vishwajeet Kaushish, a 54-year-old former national rowing athlete, has always been passionate about fitness. He ran marathons and stayed connected to the athletics world. One day during a marathon in Delhi, he thought about why his hometown, Chandigarh, didn’t host an annual marathon despite having plenty of runners and cycling tracks.

That moment sparked an idea. Kaushish realized that for a city to have such events, a dedicated running community was essential. So, in 2016, he founded the Chandigarh Distance Runners (CDR). Today, the club has 150 to 200 active members who meet regularly and run half and full marathons.

Running is booming in India. Over 1,500 running events are held yearly, bringing in nearly $450 million. There are also approximately 2.5 million registered runners across the country. While many think of running as a solo sport, groups like CDR are changing that perception, creating communities that uplift and motivate each other.

For instance, the Delhi Runners Group (DRG) started in 2013 with a handful of runners and has grown to over 11,000 members. They run together regularly and host an annual half marathon that sees over 1,000 participants. The founders, Alfredo Miranda and Rahul Verma, aim to promote teamwork and camaraderie among runners.

In a similar vein, Pankkaj Dhiman founded the New Delhi Road Runners after an injury shifted his focus from bodybuilding to running. His club meets daily, welcoming everyone from a 7-year-old to a 63-year-old. They focus on nurturing an inclusive environment where everyone can grow as runners.

There’s a special mix in these communities. Groups like 56 Run Club in Bengaluru, started by Arvind Srikanth and friends, aim to combine fitness with social interaction. They’ve built a space for young people to meet and make friends through running.

As running clubs gain popularity, they continue to attract sponsorship from major brands. For example, Red Bull supports events organized by The Social Sprint. Partnerships with local businesses bring added benefits, helping these clubs maintain their community spirit.

However, with the growth of running clubs, challenges persist. In many cities, there’s a lack of safe running spaces. Sidewalks are often obstructed, and air quality is a concern. Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways states that pedestrians account for 17% of road accident victims in India, highlighting the dangers of running in urban areas.

Despite these challenges, running communities promote inclusivity. In recent years, about 25% of the Mumbai Marathon participants have been women, showing that attitudes towards female runners are changing for the better.

Running can also prove costly. The cost of proper gear and marathon registration fees can quickly add up. For instance, participation in the Tata Mumbai Marathon costs around Rs 3,000.

Yet, the enthusiasm within these clubs is inspiring. Some members have completed ultra-marathons and even triathlons. Clubs are focusing on expanding and reaching more diverse populations, hoping to welcome those who may find running intimidating.

Kaushish emphasizes that anyone can join CDR, regardless of their experience level. The group celebrates new runners, pooling resources to help those participating in their first marathons.

Fitness and friendship blend beautifully in these running communities. Members lift each other up, making running a fulfilling part of their lives. As they say, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

In today’s fast-paced world, these groups aren’t just about fitness; they’re about connection. As running continues to flourish in India, it’s clear that community spirit is just as vital as completing that next mile.

Quick Facts

• 1,500: Annual running events in India
• $450 million: Revenue from these events
• 2.5 million: Registered runners in the country

Types of Marathons

• Full Marathon: 42.195 km
• Half Marathon: 21.095 km
• Ultra Marathon: Greater than a full marathon
• 10k: 10 km
• 5k: 5 km

Popular Races

• Mumbai Marathon: Third Sunday of January
• Delhi Half Marathon: October or November
• World 10k Bengaluru: May
• Kolkata 25k: December
• Ladakh Marathon: September

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