India’s Growing Running Culture and Give Month

Running is more than a sport—it’s a way to connect with yourself, others, and the world around you. As I laced up for the 2024 Bangalore Marathon on October 6th, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far both I and the running community in India have come.

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Five years ago, at this very venue, I completed my first half marathon. This year, not only did I celebrate that milestone, but I also improved my finish time by few minutes to 1:57:45, a personal victory that made the experience all the more special.

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What makes me truly proud, though, is India’s rapidly growing running culture. It's a movement that’s promoting wellness and supporting countless causes and charities, and running this race during GitHub’s “Give Month” added an extra layer of meaning.

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Though organized running events in India are relatively new, with most marathons being less than 20 years old, they are quickly catching up to global standards, where marathon traditions have spanned over a century.

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When I first participated in the TCS 10K in Bangalore back in 2009 (then called the Sunfeast 10K), we had to wait weeks for printed race photos, which were mailed all the way from New Zealand!

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Today, bib-linked photos are available online within hours—a testament to how far the infrastructure has advanced. India has also added its own unique touch by serving runners a hot, traditional breakfast after the race, making the experience even more rewarding.

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By 2024, the running scene in India has undergone a dramatic transformation. Races like the Bangalore Marathon now draw tens of thousands of participants, and securing a spot in the Mumbai Marathon has become highly competitive, highlighting the rapid growth of the running community across the country.

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Beyond the races, running has become a powerful conversation starter for me. Whether at work or in personal interactions, it’s not just about swapping stories—it's about encouraging others to embark on their own wellness journeys.

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There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone I’ve motivated complete their first race or run a distance they never thought possible.

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This year alone, I helped many first-time runners participate in both the TCS 10K in April and the Bangalore Marathon in October. Watching their growth and success has brought me immense joy.

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One of the highlights of my year was raising $431 for InCommon , a London-based charity, by running the London Hackney Marathon in May 2024. Incommon bridges generational gaps by fostering connections between young individuals and elderly residents, creating bonds that lead to mutual learning and lasting friendships.

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Also, as a CultFit Champion (selected from 1000s of applicants), I continue to actively promote wellness through running, gym, yoga, and mindfulness practices. Whether helping people start their fitness journey or get back on track after a break, I find purpose in motivating others to prioritize their well-being.

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Running in India is no longer a niche activity—it’s a movement that unites communities, fosters connection, and promotes personal growth. And for me, this passion for running is closely tied to my belief in giving back.

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October, as “GitHub Gives” month, offers the perfect opportunity to blend our love for wellness with our commitment to making a positive impact.

Over the years, I’ve continued to write about wellness, reflecting on my Streak journey , Wellness during the Pandemic , 2020 Lookback , Wildlife survey , or completing a Full Marathon . These reflections have had a significant impact, both in my own life and, I hope, in inspiring others to prioritize their well-being.