Mumbai's Riders launch a year-long ‘Mahakumbh' fitness challenge
In a powerful blend of fitness, fun, and community spirit, Mulund Riders have rolled out Mahakumbh, an ambitious 11-month group fitness initiative designed to promote consistent healthy habits through engaging monthly challenges.
With over 260 participants and four competing teams, the journey kicked off on April 1, 2025, and will culminate in the much-anticipated Khel Mahotsav II in February 2026.
What sets Mahakumbh apart is its unique trust-based, volunteer-free format—an innovation that encourages self-discipline and camaraderie without the need for constant oversight. Participants earn points for their teams through individual activities like running, walking, cycling, and swimming, which are tracked monthly.
While group participation isn't typically required, team captains and two dedicated mentors per team provide encouragement and coordination.
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The first all-team event took place on July 20, 2025, with 168 participants hitting the streets of Mulund. The challenge: surpass team targets of 55 km cycling (with 15+ riders), 10 km running (10+ runners), and 10 km walking (10+ walkers). The turnout included 69 cyclists, 51 runners, and 48 walkers, joined by mentor teams and supportive friends.
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Perfect weather, light traffic, and upbeat energy made for a memorable and motivating morning.
Among the participants was Dr. Viswanathan Iyer, neurosurgeon and Bicycle Mayor of Mumbai, who completed 55 km for his team. 'Events like Mahakumbh are the best motivators for building regular fitness habits,' Dr. Iyer noted. 'Habit formation takes time—on average 66 days—but consistency is key. This structure makes staying active exciting and meaningful.'
Designed to ease stress and inspire wellness, Mahakumbh emphasizes flexibility—most activities can be completed anywhere, with physical presence in Mulund required only during select events like the finale, Khel Mahotsav.
As the challenge continues, these riders are setting a high benchmark for community-driven fitness, proving that with trust, structure, and shared goals, movement truly becomes a celebration.
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