Community Connect: Run Connect Repeat

At dawn by the Boat Club, this excited group of runners in the city was already awake. Dressed in bright T-shirts, they gathered in clusters, stretching, laughing, and catching up. The runners had gathered for the announcements of the upcoming Dream Runners Half Marathon (to take place on July 19th), and to mark the beginning of the season, indulged in warm-ups, shuttle runs, tug of war, and more.Dream Runners was formed in 2008 in Chennai to promote running as a fitness activity, and launched the Dream Runners Half Marathon in 2012. Today, the community has grown to 13 chapters across the city. While the activities signalled the start of training, the bigger draw for many was the chance to be back among people they run with week after week — a reminder that for this Chennai running group, community matters as much as kilometres.More than miles“I’ve been with this group for the last seven years,” said Ravishankar, a businessman from Airport Dreamers. “You need some motivation whenever you want to do something. So, that motivation started from this end… Dream Runners is like a home for us.”The discipline of early mornings, he added, becomes easier when shared. “For us, 4.30am is when we kick ourselves out of the bed… And wherever you go in Chennai, you can see a lot of our runners.”Padmanabhan, a banker and part of Bessie Dreamers, highlighted the social bond behind the fitness goals. “More than fitness, we have a very good social connect. We mentor people and conduct regular training.”Running through challengesFor some, running has become a source of strength during difficult phases of life. Dr Vijayashree Raghavan, a professor and researcher, shared how the community helped her navigate an intense period of medical treatment. “Twelve months of enduring immunotherapy is not a joke. Every three weeks, you have to go get an injection, and stay in the hospital for the entire treatment. What made me go through this without even taking leave except for one day was running.” The support of fellow runners, she said, was crucial. “You should be in a group for that. I would really give everything to my group. Group motivation, family support, buddy support are very important,” she said. At 70, veterinary doctor Dr Asha Rajini continues to run despite health setbacks. “I just love running. When I’m running, I’m in my own world. I just enjoy it. I can’t go without running,” she said. “Now that I am part of this community, we have a regular routine and coaching sessions. All the fun that we have, it’s very interesting. I enjoy it a lot.”An extended family on the moveFor Geetha, a retired participant, joining the group transformed her daily routine. “I’m the class of 2024… my life has changed 180 degrees for the better… We are one big team and a bigger community.”Race director Chandra described the bond as intentional. “It’s all about how you mentor and build a bond with the family… it’s an extended family for all of us.”Growing together, mile by mile“We started as a small group, and now, we have chapters all around Chennai,” said Rajeev Prasad from race management, adding that experienced runners mentor first-timers so it becomes “a friendly journey toward a bigger goal”. Kishore Kumar summed the spirit of the gathering: “People push each other. Over time you make good friends. Many friendships go beyond just the weekly runs.”Written By: Aashna Reddy