Delhi run clubs boom, urban infrastructure fails to keep up

Run clubs have surged across Delhi over the past two years, drawing hundreds of runners to parks and roads every weekend. Bhag Club co-founder Jyotiraditya Thakur says his club now regularly gathers 500 to 700 people per session and has crossed one lakh social media followers. But runners say the city's infrastructure has not kept pace with the movement's growth.

Organisers point to a lack of dedicated running tracks, working streetlights, clean drinking water, and basic medical support. Joel Eric Pinto of Knox notes that abroad he can step out of a hotel and run on safe, marked paths without dodging traffic. Amna Ahmed of Adidas Runners says dedicated lanes would provide safer space for beginners, women, and older adults.

Restaurateur Sahil Marwaha wants the government to invest in safer paths, better-maintained parks, hydration points, and cleaner air. Reeti Sahai of Run with Reeti says Delhi has the potential to become a world-class running hub but needs infrastructure to support it. The runners call for coordination between park authorities and running communities.