Powai Run 2021 Is Back In A Brand New Avatar
By Finisher NewsdeskFebruary 24, 2021No Comments
Powai Run started in 2012 with 2,000 runners and, in a span of eight years, they have had 16,000 participants running to raise funds for charitable causes. Undeterred by the current circumstances, Powai Run 2021 is back in an app-based avatar, sending out the powerful message of #NotGivingUpOnGivingBack. The race categories are Half Marathon (21.097K), 10K and 5K. You can register here. Registrations are open till March 21. The organisers of the race tell Finisher Magazine about its genesis, philanthropy and vision — read on.
How did Powai Run start?
The Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers Club was formed in 2009 with an intent of giving back to society on two fronts:
Helping the less privileged.
Making our community better in terms of health, safety, hygiene etc.
The run was started as a community building initiative, to help the community veer towards a better lifestyle and adopt some form of exercise in their daily routine. Back then, it was called Run Powai Run.
What is the story behind its origin?
At one of the club meetings this idea was floated by a member. The number in mind was 2,000 people, many of the members were of the opinion that it was far-fetched and would only remain a dream. A core team was formed and it took over a year of planning, looking for support from corporates in the neighbourhood to turn this dream into a reality. The first edition saw close to 2,000 participants, of which only 700-odd were paid participants and the rest were invitees, NGOs, etc.
How was the route fixed?
The first edition — and the subsequent two — had only two distances — the 4km and the 10km. The route was planned within the confines of the Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, because going out on the main roads would mean more permissions and arrangements, which meant spending money which we would much rather use for the causes we support. The route was planned by a handful of club members.
What was the feeling after successfully hosting the first Powai Run?
In one word — ECSTATIC
Tell us a bit about the highs and lows in this journey of making Powai Run one of the top events of the country.
The highs are innumerable and would be almost impossible to enlist all of them here, but some of them that clearly stand out are:
The funds raised — the kitty has swollen year-on-year. The fact that every single rupee raised here goes towards making someone’s life better, bringing a smile on someone’s face, makes all the hard work absolutely worth it.
The number of runners have grown year-on-year — we know people who have been a part of every edition and they keep coming back and patting our backs for making the event bigger and better.
The sponsors have come back almost every year — it’s a reassurance that they have their confidence in us that the funds they entrust us with for the multiple causes are spent well and accounted for.
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With all these highs, we really don’t think there are any lows that are worth mentioning. It’s tough given that we all have day jobs and do this purely out of our single and focused motive to do something for our society. It does take a toll on our personal and professional lives, but every smile that we get, more than compensates for all the hard work and sacrifices.
Share some of the top moments and notable runners of the Powai Run
Top Moments
Seeing the euphoria around the event — from the start line to the finish line — it is ELECTRIC!
It is one event which clearly engages people from all sections — it’s a symbol of unity in diversity, supporting a cause while having fun.
Just to give an example: One time we had closed registrations and a group of runners approached us at the expo saying that they had trained for the run, but couldn’t register as they couldn’t find a sponsor. We registered them from our club funds and 5 of the 8 who we had registered walk away with the prizes!
Top runners (not in any order)
Senior citizens like Mr. Laxmichand Gala (born in 1936) who comes back every year.
Visually-impaired runner Mr. Amarjit Singh who ran his 100th half marathon with us in 2018.
A gentleman who did the 4km on a wheelchair.
A group of to-be-moms.
What is the USP of Powai Run that attracts the runners?
The charity aspect of the run
The scenic route
The carnival — Fun after the run
Every year, we have provided the runners with a goody bag and a breakfast after the run. Most runs have either or none.
The run is planned and the route is manned by the Lakers themselves ensuring the safety of each runner and also making sure that no one is inconvenienced on the roads.
The fact that the Lakers put their hearts and souls in shaping the event, adds to the vibe of the event and the energy is infectious.
What’s the plan for the 2021 edition?
If you look at it from the eyes of the world, these are low and strange times. But if you look at it from the eyes of a Laker, it’s a new high. An opportunity to evolve and create something we haven’t done before. An opportunity to do whatever it takes to raise money for the causes we believe in and support. Hence the virtual app-based edition. A big shout out to the pioneers and promoters of running as a sport in India, Procam International, for partnering with us and making us the first-ever Procam Buddy Race. We are all set to have the run between March 14 and 21 and registrations are currently on. We are looking for partners/sponsors, etc, so do reach out to us and help us achieve our theme of the year #NotGivingUpOnGivingBack.
