I am honoured to lead a dynamic community of fitness enthusiasts in Gurgaon through my group. The inception of the group was marked by uncertainty, with no clear path ahead. Having embarked on my own fitness journey, I understand the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
So, in Feb 2021, armed with my passion for fitness and determination to make a difference, I embarked on a mission to bring my vision of running a fitness group. Little did I know back then that it would become a beautiful reality.
Initially, I joined the running group ‘Dream Runners Chennai’ to explore my own running capabilities. Soon after, I was given the incredible opportunity to head the running chapter in our area. It turned out to be a game-changer for me, as it helped me realize a whole new aspect of my personality.
In Dec 2020, when we made the move to Gurgaon, we set out on an informal mission—motivating friends, family, and neighbours to embrace the benefits of fitness. From that point forward, there was no looking back.
As our running community continued to grow, we encountered a recurring challenge: coordinating the timing of our runs. Different schedules and commitments made it difficult for everyone to sync up. In Aug 2023, we decided to tackle this issue by introducing a unique challenge that required members to walk or run 2 km every day, at any time and place convenient to them. The response was fantastic, with 18 participants successfully completing the challenge. Then the next challenge was set, where members were encouraged to set their own monthly targets ranging from a minimum of 60 km to an ambitious 200 km. 36 members completed the challenge triumphantly. These individual and collective achievements led to the exciting idea of organising a 5K marathon within our locality.
On Dec 3, 2023, more than 80 people, spanning across all age groups, came together to participate in our community marathon. In preparation for this grand event, I dedicated 45 days to personally guiding and training new participants, including children, to help them achieve their running target of 5 km. What made this event truly special was the collaborative efforts—whether it was deciding on the route, strategically placing hydration points, designing and printing the BIBs, or taking on the hands-on task of marking the route ourselves—every decision and effort was a collective endeavor.
We secured full support from both the local police and the DLF security team to ensure the safety of all participants. We also received an overwhelming response from our residents who stepped up to volunteer. On the day of the run, it was heartwarming to witness fellow runners motivating and cheering each other to give their best and finish the last lap strongly. After the run, participants were served with hot tea, refreshing juices, and hydrating coconut water to replenish their energy levels, as well as healthy granola snacks, biscuits, namkeen, fresh fruits, and more. What started as a mere concept has now evolved into a vibrant and thriving running and fitness community. Together with all members of the group, we look forward to organising many more such engaging and meaningful initiatives that can contribute to the health and community spirit of our local residents.
