Seven half marathons for seven days to collect running gear for underprivileged athletes

Tarun Walecha, an architect by profession, is on a mission to create awareness and raise funds for underprivileged athletes by running seven Half Marathons (that is of 21.2kms) for seven days. He has embarked the journey of "Share & Care

Running at seven different locations through the week, Day one of the half marathon was held at the Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi, with participation of more than 100 runners. December 26, the second day, the event was held at Dwarka, Delhi. On December 27, 2016, the marathon was held at Sanjay Van, Delhi, from 6.30 a.m. onwards.

Walecha will head to Leisure Valley in Gurgaon, Haryana tomorrow and thereafter, in Greater Noida and Noida, before returning to Delhi on last day.

Through this Running Week, Walecha wants to promote running as more than a fitness regime and raise awareness on lack of funds and facilities for budding underprivileged athletes by connecting with local running groups and asking runners to donate running gears.

The collected charity will be given to NGOs like 'Run with Me Foundation' and 'Khel Khel Mein' who help in building a sports culture for children who can't afford it which will be distributed on January 1, 2016 as New Year gifts amongst those who cannot afford it.

Narrating his journey since 2011, Walecha said "initially, it would take me nearly three hours to cover the distance of a half marathon, but after rigorous training, now I cover the same distance in 1 hour and 40 mins." He quickly adds that budding athletes are faster than him and with right formal training; they can participate in various International marathons and make the country proud.

Walecha, 46, is not an athlete, but believes in the talent of young Indian athletes. He says that it is important to help the eager and passionate children who will bring laurels to the country.