Hyderabad, August 13, 2024… America’s greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine, once said, “Running is for everyone.”

He is right. Running is for everybody also. Running is universal

To play badminton you need a court, a racket, shuttlecocks, and shoes. For cricket, you need wickets, a ball, a bat, gloves, pads, a helmet and a ground. For chess, players need at least a set of chess pieces and a chessboard. You may need a clock when you play a timed game.

When it comes to running, there is no set requirement. You can run anywhere, in any open area, on the road and a trail, you can anywhere. You can start it at any age, anywhere, anytime. Rich or poor, in a tracksuit or a saree, there is no restriction.

Human beings are physiologically built to run and it comes naturally to us. The only must and prerequisite to running is our attitude. Rain or shine, the weather doesn’t deter runners. Running is the simplest and most convenient fitness activity.

“The Hyderabad Runners Society aims to bring diversity to running by inviting talented and hardworking athletes from across the country. From the CEOs and Directors of various companies to drivers and workers, we’re all set to witness a diverse range of runners, and there is no hierarchy”, says Rajesh Vecha, the race director for the upcoming Hyderabad Marathon.

For many, running is a means to an end. Let’s take a look at some of the runners who will be participating in the upcoming Hyderabad Marathon on August 25th.

Babu, who not only runs meters but also kilometres, an ace runner from the Nilgiris, is all set to take up the half-marathon challenge here in Hyderabad. When asked what motivates him to run, Babu said, “ I started running with my cousin in 2018 and I enjoy it. I drive an auto for a living. From 10k, I have run up to 100k”. The stories of his runs range from his frequent encounters with bears, bison and porcupines to speed runs with the speedsters in the Wellington Ground. An auto driver by profession, 48-year-old Babu can run a half-marathon in under 90 minutes and has made it to the podium several times.

“Running makes me feel like I can do anything I set my heart to,” says Divya, a 23-year-old from Pollachi, whose only aim is to make her mum proud by winning a national medal. An athlete from a village, can run a 10k in 38 minutes and a half-marathon in 89 minutes.

Hyderabad has paved the way for many athletes to come and shine by providing an avenue to showcase their talents. By choosing to run, we set an example for runners of all body types, and runners from different strata of society, thereby making running equal for all. In both running and HRS, a step forward is a testament to progress and perseverance.

“The Hyderabad Runners Couch to 5K program was created to offer a structured plan for beginners and help many aspiring runners run their first 5K. Since its launch in 2015, the Hyderabad Runners KOUCH to 5K training program has helped over 5,000 beginners start their running journey and adopt an active lifestyle.” said, Abhijit, the President of Hyderabad Runners.