Adding a whole new dimension to walking and running is the new trend in Hyderabad. These fitness activities are being made meaningful by raising awareness and funds to support causes such as environment protection, helping underprivileged children, supporting farmers, awareness about deadly diseases, etc. The Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) recently organised a diabetes awareness walkathon on Necklace Road while Mile Runners India organised a 5k, 10k and 21k run at Kukatpally on Sunday. The Freedom Hyderabad 10K run is set to take place on November 26 and supports several worthwhile causes. Runs for the girl child and for cancer awareness, the Hyderabad Christmas half marathon, runs for the Indian Army and for a better heart are the upcoming events in the city.
The interesting part about running or walking for a cause is that the donor is also benefitted. “A lot of people now want to get fit. And when there is a run or a walk happening, they do not hesitate to register as they would also be contributing to a cause while getting fit. People begin practicing and training well in advance and fitness becomes a part of their lifestyle,” says Raghunath Veraballi, Organiser, Run for the girl child. He adds, “The run is a part of our organisation Seva Bharathi Telangana, where we teach young girls life skills after school. Last year, we raised Rs 25 lakh through individual donors as well as corporates. While we had around 4,500 people participate last year, we are expecting 10,000 people this year. The money is donated to the 100 centres we have across the city.”
Some organisations get huge donations from corporates as part of their CSR activities. Dinaz Vervatwala, founding member and trustee of the Hyderabad 10k run, says that runs are a great way for people from different parts of the society to come together for a cause. “Women, especially, are coming out of their houses to take part in runs. It’s a good way to create awareness about the different problems in our society. From saving the lakes to supporting sports enthusiasts from underprivileged backgrounds, the 10k run supports various causes. This year, we already have over 10,000 registrations,” shares Dinaz.
The earnings from the Mile Runners India Marathon Hyderabad will be donated to Khalsa Aid, an international NGO run by the Sikh Community with the aim to provide humanitarian aid in disaster-hit areas and civil conflict zones around the world. Rao Naresh Kumar, the founder of the run says, “Every year, we support different causes. In August, we donated one lakh rupees to Nana Patekar’s Naam Foundation that supports farmers. The earnings from the Hyderabad marathon will be donated to Khalsa Aid.”
Some events solely support the idea of fitness. The race director of the Hyderabad Triathlon, Swathi Vasireddy, shares, “Through the triathlon, we want people to learn about the importance of time management and discipline in fitness.” The Interfaith Heritage Walk, by Rubaroo and the British Deputy High Commission that was conducted recently saw people walk from a temple to a dargah, celebrating harmony among various religions.
However, Babitha Xavier, Ambassador, 10k Intencity: Run for A Green, Healthy India, held in October, says that runs are a good platform to get mileage, but people cannot be sure if the cause is being met. “A serious runner would not bother about the cause. We go only because we love running. A select few runs may get the mileage, but not all. How can we be sure if all the organisers are actually contributing to the cause?” she says.
Harini G., founder of Cisne for Arts, who ideated and organised a walk against child abuse, adds, “Running or walking is simple; so many people are attracted to it. Raising awareness through singing or swimming can be difficult; not everybody can do it.” With the country becoming more aware about fitness, it’s only natural that social causes bank upon them. This will not just make India fit, but also more responsible.
