Saree run enters third year

Running group Jayanagar Jaguars will be hosting the third edition of the ‘Saree Run’ this Sunday.

The event, which aims to cross boundaries and break common misconceptions, invites women to run 3 km in a saree.

Pramod Deshpande, the coach of Jayanagar Jaguars (JJ) says that the idea of the run came about when he was discussing with his group members about encouraging women participation.

“Our team member Anjana Mohan suggested that many people like domestic helps and maids do not feel that they can run as there are many misconceptions connected to it. Many others believe that women runners are privileged and we want to spread the message that people have to break free from limiting factors,” he says.

He adds that though running for long in a saree is not practical, this event will help to break some mind blocks. “Though we started off with 20 members in the first edition, the second edition saw 200 women. We are expecting more people this year,” he says.

Participants are excited about the run. Sowmya Prakash, who works with an MNC, ran with her 9-year-old daughter Sia for last year’s edition of the ‘Saree Run’ and is excited about the upcoming event.

“My daughter is a runner and was the sports captain at her school. She enjoys running and I have been practising endurance running with JJ since last year. This event is special as it aims to break stereotypes like only lean women in shorts can run etc. Clearing such thoughts are a requisite for today’s growing society,” says Sowmya. “Running is inherent in all of us and more and more people should take up running,” she adds.

Rohini Nair is looking forward to running ‘The Saree Run’ for the first time. “I have been with the team for the last nine months and I started running only one year ago. I really like the format of this event because it is a symbolic run and will help women embrace their fitness despite societal pressures,” she says.

“I have noticed that there are a lot of women runners with the group who are your next-door superwomen. Despite their schedules, they reach their training programmes in time.
Our coach also encourages inclusiveness, which is the focus of this event,” she adds.

Rohini says that the event aims to make women runners share their stories with others and encourages others to start their journey. “We will be running together to break stereotypes.”

No men, sorry

“Though many people have suggested that men should join in their dhotis, we wanted to keep the event focused. We didn’t want the event to turn into a fashion show.”

Pramod Deshpande, coach with JayanagarJaguars, hosts of Saree Run.

Get set, go!

When? June 24

What time? 6 am

Where? 18th Cross,

Corporation Playground, Malleswaram

Fees? It is a free event.