Welcome to the 42nd episode of the World of Running, over the last two running seasons, 2022 to 2024 (April to March), the total number of running events organized in India was 1,185, and the number of finishers was about 1.1 million. Running takes off in India, and marathons are no longer a once-a-year event. Aditi Pandya discusses the booming running scene in India with Venkatraman Pichumani, the author of the India Marathon Annual Report. They explore the key findings from the report, trends in race participation, performance, and the challenges faced by race organizers.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growth of running events in India

• Top marathons and emerging trends

• Factors contributing to increased participation

• Regional differences in race participation

• Impact of new events and changing demographics

• Challenges faced by race organizers

• Future of running events in India

Aditi Pandya

Aditi, the host of ‘The World of Running’ podcast, is an accomplished athlete and an endurance runner. She qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2024, has won multiple podiums at various races in India and her current PB is 3:37:06. You can know more about her at https://aditipandya.com/

Venkatraman Pichumani

Venkat is a successful professional turned entrepreneur who now chases his passion for promoting running for good health. By profession, Venkat is a CA. He is a Level II RRCA Running Coach and RRCA Race Director, a member of the Road Running Clubs of America (RRCA), and USA Track and Field (USATF) among many others. Venkat has many publications to his name, including "Sofa to 5K – A Beginner's Handbook for Running" (in 5 languages). He is a regular blogger and Vblogger and the founder and trainer of the Zippers Club.

Venkat can be reached on Tel 9920121097

email p.venkatraman@youtoocanrun.com

web www.youtoocanrun.com and racemart.in

Zippers Club https://youtu.be/DtblWvm10C8?si=35oEZZnzTuOQPddv

https://www.facebook.com/youtoo.canrun/

https://www.instagram.com/youtoocanrun/

https://www.youtube.com/@YouTooCanRun