Running is picking up steam in India, with marathons and other runs being organised in Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and... Several shorter neighbourhood runs are also being organised as the country gears up to host the Commonwealth Games in 2010, and get it's residents energised in the process.

Planning and managing a running event in India:

I have run across 6 continents and run in 22 marathons including Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai, but have been disappointed with many of the arrangements by the organisers. More so because the enthusiastic first timer gets put off. A few running tips for organisers of major running events, and also for participants of what to expect and what to demand of the organisers are listed below. Smallers events could use most of these basic tips too.

I have been to a few marathons in India where the excuse for poor organisation is that this is the first time. Give me a break! This is a the 21st century and we have a wealth of information available given the thousands of marathons that have been organised across the world - both gigantic and very small ones.

Make sure it's planned and executed as a world class running event else do not do it!

Its always best to have a non elite runner, who has participated in a few runs, to be part of the event management team as then the issues faced by the majority, can be appreciated, and the details, better planned. Should definitely have someone from amongst the organisers, run in the event too, and get 1st hand feedback for improvement over the entire process.

Pre running event basics:

Heavy publicity is required, and that too, 3-6 months prior to the event - it's an event for the whole city and not just for a few runners. A marathon or half marathon requires a lot of training on the part of the runners and requires double the time of the organisers planning all the micro details; definitely not something that can be planned for in a couple of months. Give the event and the participants the respect they deserve.

Include running schedule and web links of good race training schedules. website has an excellent running schedule for all types of runners and running distances. Check it out

Provide information on basic running shoes and gear . Runners World magazine is a great resource and the online version can be accessed Need a good website. The Chicago marathon website is one of the best that I have seen Provide information, running schedules, information on running shoes and running tips for the beginner runner, route maps with inclines, water stops, energy drink stops, spectator and cheering squad stands and locations, expected weather..... This should also have on-line registration and credit card payment facilities, with a swift response to questions posted on-line.

Have the longer runs start early - 7am or even 6am. 5 and 10k runs can start around 8am but not later.

Provide timely and accurate registration confirmations.

Pre race expo

Proper organisation and signage on where to pick up what. Plan for the crowds and do not herd runners around like cattle and expect them to stand in several lines for several hours. This is the time when runners need to rest.

Have a few maps of the pre race expo layout at several places for reference of the organisers and the visitors.

Have as many running and health related companies participate - I have been to an pre race expo with a real estate company participating. Give the runners a break!

Hand out extra running route maps with details on road closures and which roads to use, where to park, and how to arrive at the start on Race Day. Also hand out items to cheer with, charts to make cheering slogans on.....

Have a booth where participants can meet with an Indian runner and get an autograph Posters, key chains, T shirts and other promotional items in the goodie bag for each runner


Race day:

Pre race:

Traffic maps of roadblocks must be provided to runners, be up on the website, and run in press ads. Definitely need to include routes that should be used. I have often found over zealous traffic police personnel telling people that the road is closed, but not letting them know, which road to use.

Signage at the start and finish area is critical and this is where ALL events that I have participated in so far, in Delhi and Mumbai, have messed up. Holding area, start line, water, toilets...

Toilets are a big problem in India. Need to plan for one toilet per 50 runners at the start, and a few every 2 miles along the way. These toilets MUST be clean and have toilet paper or running water or both, and some light (since many of these will be visited before sunrise - at the start point). A few stand alone portable toilets in Mumbai have been fantastic, but the 8-10 cubicle 'mobile' toilets in Delhi have been a disaster!

Have a megaphone for announcements, a proper start and finish line with chip mats, crowd control barricades, starting gun. I have run in the 2006 Delhi marathon where there was no finish line and mat!

Ensure proper holding areas pre start

During the race:

Mile or km markers with digital display clocks

No changing of the route for whatever reason on race day as this can upset the runner's orientation and planning

Traffic must be managed well. I have had to run along with traffic on occasion!


Signage along the running route must be clear and in abundance, especially at traffic junctions

Water and energy drink points must be manned and stocked till the last runner passes the point. I have been at mile 24 (39th km) in a marathon with no water at a water stop!

Medical stations should be placed along the route, along with a few mobile units.

The organisers and crowd management teams must be acutely aware that the event is over when the last runner crosses the finish line and not when the 1st runner crosses the line. At the 1st Mumbai marathon I have had to wade through a crowd of dream run participants and others, just to cross the finish line.

Professional digital photographers along the route and at the finish line and beyond, so that runners photos can be uploaded to the event website and ordered on line. Click here

After the race:

Finishers should be given their medals (where eligible) at the finish line and NOT later on

Certificates with the runners timings should be posted in a timely manner

Announcements, bands, cheering squads... at several points along the route add to the festivity and involvement of the city, apart from providing much needed encouragement to the runners expecially at the finish line

Results should be put up on the website the next day

More :

These are just a few of the basics - if you want to know more and discuss anything at all for a small or a large event, contact us at contactus@runningandliving.com and we would be happy to be of any assistance or provide any information you may need.

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