Over the past two decades, running in India has transformed from a niche pursuit to a mainstream phenomenon, driven by rising fitness awareness, social influencers, and dedicated running communities. This evolution began in the late 2000s, when tech professionals returning to cities like Bengaluru from the USA brought with them the enthusiasm for long-distance running, a trend that had already gained popularity in the West.

In Bengaluru, communities like the Hashhouse Harriers and pioneers such as KC Kothandapani played a key role in making running accessible and organised. As interest grew, running blossomed into both a passion sport and a profitable industry. International sports brands recognised the market potential, sponsoring marathons and promoting their products through running clubs. Corporate sponsors also encouraged employee participation in fitness events, further fueling the sport’s growth.

The rise of digital platforms enabled running influencers and coaches to gain significant followings, turning running into a viable career for many. Today, running in India thrives, with marathons, half-marathons, and even “runcations” becoming commonplace.

Arvind Bharathi led India’s first running club, Runners for Life, for over a decade, helping bridge the gap between amateur and serious runners. In Run Bhoomi, the third episode of Economies of Khel, Arvind joins hosts Rahul De and Kailash Koushik to share his insights, tracing the passion, culture, and business that have shaped running into a cultural phenomenon in India that blends fitness, community, and commerce.

Credits

Akshay Ramuhalli, Bijoy Venugopal, Bruce Lee Mani, Narayan Krishnaswamy, Prashant Vasudevan, Sananda Dasgupta, Seema Seth, Shraddha Gautam, Supriya Joshi, and Velu Shankar

For more information and additional resources, visit our website: https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/economies-of-khel/run-life-run-money