Miles and More

“This group was formed with the aim of making Pune a running city,” says Nalanda Joglekar who is in the organising committee of the group. She adds that the group specially encourages women to take up running as a fitness activity and encourages them to participate in large numbers. Initially the group consisted of 10-15 members but with its social media campaign,the group now consists of over 400 members.

“The group organises a running event every last Sunday of the month which is in five distance categories – 3km,6km,10km,15km and 21km,” says Samir Shaikh,another key organiser of the group. Shaikh,a 42-year-old IT consultant,says that being a part of the group has helped him maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay fit and active.”The group is open for everyone who wants to stay in good health ,” says Shaikh who adds that over the three years they have witnessed an increasing participation from youth,housewives,corporate professionals and senior citizens,among others.

Every month the group ties their monthly running event with a social cause. On October 6,Pune Running organised a running event on a very large scale,which saw participation of over 400 people. The event was in the support of KEM Hospital and a cheque of Rs 5 lakh was presented to the trustees for the neonatal unit of the hospital. Prachi Gondi,a regular runner with Pune Running,says,”Under the guidance provided by the volunteers,I managed to improve my 10 km timing by several minutes.” Like Gondi,many others from the group started with monthly running events and felt motivated to participate in half,full and ultram marathons,says Sheikh.

Apart from running,the group also promotes cycling and swimming and has occasionally organised triathlons. A minimal registration fee is taken from the participants for their running kits and supply of refreshments. The extra money collected goes in support of the social cause.

Violet Vaz