Until a few years ago, a family outing meant just eating out, going for a movie, or a picnic. Now, many prefer running along with family and friends and are even forming neighbourhood running groups.
Tower Twisters is one such neighbourhood running community that recently celebrated its first anniversary.
It all started with some people who were running in Anna Nagar. Now, nearly 70-80 fitness buffs meet near Bougainvillea park, Anna Nagar, and run for over 10 km every day.
“It has become more of a group activity and many couples are running together. A member recently motivated his grandfather to run along. Many of them have improved on their skills and are regular participants in marathons. A 71-year-old member came first in the Mumbai marathon in his age category,” says one of the coordinators of Tower Twisters.
It’s not just running long distances alone. To make fitness more interesting, members go on cycling and flyover repeats on alternate days.
“I encourage my family to run along as I get to spend some quality time with them. This way, we motivate each other to continue running daily. It’s the simplest form of fitness and does not need a trainer to start,” says V.P. Senthil Kumar of Nungambakkam Nitros, the first chapter of Chennai Runners.
There are over 18 chapters across the city with Chennai Runners as the parent body. Frequent get-togethers and dinners are also a feature of these groups. “We get to network and meet new friends through the running community. But, running remains the fulcrum of the groups and many have trained to become organisers of marathons,” adds Mr. Senthil Kumar.
These groups are not necessarily restricted to residents of the same locality. Tower Twisters has people from Nerkundram and Perambur.
Many of them also train fellow runners, ensure their safety and motivate them to maintain their fitness. Anil Sharma of Vibrant Velachery says, “We formalised the group in 2012. I encouraged my family also to be part of the group.”
