The rise of community-led fitness and running culture in India

July 17: Running has become a community movement and is increasingly serving as a platform for connection, accountability and shared progress. According to Strava’s Year in Sport report, India recorded a 59 percentage increase in running club activity, reflecting a broader shift towards community-led fitness experiences. From first-time runners to seasoned marathoners, more people are choosing to move together, transforming morning runs into social rituals and cultural moments. This shift reflects an evolution in how people approach fitness today. Individuals are seeking experiences that extend beyond physical activity, turning to communities for motivation, encouragement and a sense of belonging, creating spaces where personal goals are pursued collectively, making the journey as meaningful as the finish line itself.

Recognising this growing movement, New Balance is introducing the New Balance City Series , a first-of-its-kind community running initiative in India inspired by the brand’s global philosophy of ‘Run Your Way’, Launching with its inaugural edition in Delhi, NBCS will bring together runners of all levels through 5K and 10K race formats, creating a platform that celebrates individual journeys while fostering a shared sense of community, participation and progress.

The initiative builds on the momentum of the New Balance Run Club, which has cultivated thriving running communities across five cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad and has brought together over 8,000 registrations through multiple community runs.

More than a race, the New Balance City Series reflects a new chapter in India’s running culture, one where the journey is personal, but the experience is shared.

What:New Balance City Series

When: Sunday, 13th September, 2026 Reporting Time: 5:30 am

Where: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

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