41st anniversary of The Times of India, Bengaluru: Running with the tide

Time of India

18-07-2025

By: Reeth Devaiah
Over the past decade, marathons have surged in popularity, transforming from niche athletic events into mainstream phenomena embraced by millions around the globe.
Cities are now known not only for their skyscrapers and heavy traffic but also for their marathon race routes.
Alongside this boom, local running clubs have experienced unprecedented growth, becoming vital hubs for fitness, friendship, and mental wellness. Together, these trends have reshaped how city dwellers engage with their health and environment.
Reeth Devaiah
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In the early 2010s, marathons were largely reserved for elite athletes and highly dedicated runners.
While prestigious events like Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon already existed, participation was limited, and public interest moderate. Fast-forward to the mid-2020s, and marathons now attract participants from all walks of life — from first-time runners and senior citizens to corporate teams and charity-driven participants.
One significant reason for this rise in popularity is accessibility.
With better training apps, personalized coaching, and widespread health awareness, completing a marathon has become an achievable bucket-list item for many. The introduction of shorter races—such as 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons—within marathon events has also helped ease newcomers into the sport. The emphasis has shifted from 'winning the race' to 'finishing the race,' making marathons more inclusive.
Social media has played a crucial role as well. Completing a marathon is now seen as a badge of honour, proudly displayed on
Instagram
and Facebook.
The visibility of these accomplishments inspires others to begin their running journeys, creating a ripple effect throughout communities. According to industry reports, the number of organized road races globally has grown by over 20% in the last decade. In some metropolitan areas, marathon weekends attract tens of thousands of participants and spectators, boosting local economies and reinforcing the cultural significance of these events.
Running clubs
Complementing the marathon boom is the exponential rise of running clubs, particularly in urban centres. What began as small, informal gatherings of joggers in city parks has evolved into structured organizations with hundreds of members.
These clubs serve as both training grounds and social networks, providing support, guidance, and motivation. In cities around the world, running clubs are not only promoting fitness but also combating urban isolation.
In an age where digital connection often replaces in-person interaction, running clubs bring people together physically and emotionally.
Weekly runs, community events, fitness challenges, and post-run social gatherings create a sense of belonging and accountability that solo workouts cannot match. Many clubs adopt specifi c missions. Some focus on beginners, offering couch-to5K programmes, while others cater to more competitive runners.
There are niche groups, such as women-only clubs, LGBTQ+ inclusive runners, and eco-conscious running groups that practice 'plogging', which involves picking up trash while jogging. Newer formations are the Gen Z running clubs, which prefer earlymorning runs followed by coffee shop meet-ups instead of late-night outings at clubs and bars. In Bengaluru, there are visually impaired runners supported by guide runners, as well as children affected by HIV who are embraced into the mainstream.
Recently, corporate run clubs have emerged, allowing colleagues to train together on campus and support one another in physical and mental performance. The growth of these clubs has become a grassroots movement, democratizing fitness and transforming public spaces into playgrounds for community health.
Marathons as cultural and civic events
Marathons have evolved beyond mere sporting contests to become cultural celebrations. These events often include music, food trucks, art installations, and cheer zones.
They are scheduled to coincide with city festivals, national holidays, or global awareness days, creating synergy between physical wellness and civic pride. Marathons often serve as fundraisers for causes ranging from cancer research and child welfare to climate change.
It's common for runners to participate as charity representatives, raising thousands of rupees in pledges.
These events also stimulate the local economy.
Hotel bookings, restaurant visits, transportation services, and retail sales spike around marathon weekends. The influx of out-of-town participants turns local marathons into tourist attractions, while media coverage shines a light on the cities involved.
Technology has played a crucial role in making marathons and running clubs more accessible and engaging. GPS watches, smartphone apps, virtual coaching, and social tracking tools have transformed training from a solitary grind into a shared experience.
Apps allow runners to set goals, join virtual challenges, compare statistics, and even run races remotely — a concept that gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic and has persisted due to its convenience and accessibility.
Health benefits and mental wellness
The marathon and running club phenomenon has significantly improved public health. Regular running is linked to numerous physical benefits, such as weight management, improved cardiovascular health, stronger bones, and enhanced immunity.
However, the benefits to mental health are just as important. Running reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps combat anxiety and depression. The consistent training routine, the endorphin release from exercising, and the community support from running clubs contribute to better mental wellness.
In a world increasingly aware of burnout and mental fatigue, running offers a simple yet powerful solution. Running clubs provide safe spaces where members can connect, share their struggles, and celebrate achievements without fear of judgment.
Despite these positives, the marathon and running club ecosystem faces challenges. Issues such as overcrowded races, rising entry fees, and environmental concerns have drawn criticism. Cities need to adapt their infrastructure to support this growing activity. Safe sidewalks, dedicated running trails, and green spaces are crucial for maintaining momentum. Partnerships between government bodies and organizers of marathons and running clubs can help integrate fitness into urban planning.
Looking ahead, the emphasis is likely to broaden from just running races to fostering a more comprehensive culture of movement.
Hybrid events that combine cycling, swimming, yoga, and meditation are already gaining popularity. Nonetheless, the fundamental appeal of running — its simplicity, accessibility, and transformative power — will endure.
The past decade has seen a remarkable transformation in how people perceive running. What was once viewed as an individual endurance challenge has evolved into a shared cultural movement. Marathons now unite cities, while running clubs weave together the fabric of urban communities. As individuals seek meaning, connection, and health in the fast-paced modern world, the running boom provides all three — one stride at a time.
(Writer is an international athlete and Arjuna awardee, who promotes fitness and active lifestyles)