Bengaluru’s runners find strength in numbers | Bengaluru News
In the wee hours of the morning, Bengaluru’s parks and streets come alive with the synchronised steps of runners. These runners aren’t running alone – they move in packs, as running clubs mushroom across the length and breadth of the city. Once a solitary activity, running, in Bengaluru, is turning into a shared social experience that extends beyond just fitness, and now includes pre-runwarm-ups, post-run coffees, networking and more…
‘RUNNING TOGETHER HAS GIVEN US RUNNERS A NEW SENSE OF IDENTITY’
Sidharth Yadav, content marketer at an IT company and founder of the Stride Run Club, shares, “Running together has given us runners a new sense of identity. No more do their formal job titles of ‘product managers’ or ‘senior engineer’ define them alone. They are proud of their new identity as a runner. This has been transformative for our club members, 70 per cent of whom are beginners, giving them confidence and a sense of security.”
‘A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE WAY TO SPEND YOUR WEEKENDS’
“There is a sense of belonging as many of them are migrants. This has created new support systems for them to combat the loneliness epidemic common among a digital-first, mobile workforce. The club has made weekends more exciting for members. They look forward to meeting friends, winning at challenges, hearing from experienced runners and chasing miles together. Weekends are being perceived in a fresh light, beyond partying late at night and indulging in unhealthy habits,” says Sidharth.
‘Running in a group transforms the experience’
Arvind Srikanth, of the 56 Run Club, says, “Running with a group is undeniably better. The collective energy pushes you further than you’d go alone. Running can be monotonous; but when you’re running in a group, other members motivate you, you can talk to each other, and the physical exertion becomes less noticeable.
I’ve been part of a running community for six months and it’s been a life changing experience. Running together, sharing our joys and challenges, motivating each other, and pushing one another towards our best selves has been incredible. Living far from home, I’ve unexpectedly found a real family within this group
– Sowmya Inamdar, a software engineer in Bengaluru
‘We call this the second generation of running’
While the traditional goal of running might be achieving personal bests and competing in events like 10Ks or marathons, we’re fostering a second generation of running here: social running. It is a social avenue to connect with like-minded individuals who share an interest in well-being and a similar mindset. That’s what we’ve intentionally created. It’s not solely a space to get fit; it’s also a place where you can come on a Sunday morning to meet new people, have fun, and network,” says Arvind Srikanth.
Running has helped me prioritize the basic and important stuff better – sleep, nutrition and time management. Showing up to the club runs at least once a week has now become a ritual which I eagerly look forward to
Nithin, a solutions consultant in Bengaluru
Who can join?
Runners come in all shapes and sizes, ages and backgrounds. Prabhudatta Kar, of the Indiranagar Run Club, tells us, “This mix includes youngsters still in college, individuals new to Bengaluru seeking connection, and those in their mid-30s looking for a healthy outlet. I even remember a whole family joining – parents and their three kids, all lacing up together. What unites them, I’ve observed, is a shared sense of curiosity and a desire for a great experience.”
