Running and staying healthy has always been a dream. The journey began at the age of 7 when Coach Santhosh Padmanabhan introduced the joy of running at Sneha Care Home. The first milestone came in 2008 with a 2K run, followed by a 5K in 2011 and a 10K in 2014. With each step, running became more than just a sport—it became a passion, sparking the ambition to explore longer distances.

In 2021, this passion led to the co-founding of the Positive Running Program under the RISHI Foundation, a movement dedicated to promoting fitness among children living with HIV. With unwavering support from Dr. Anita Shet and a dedicated coach, training for the first half marathon began. The effort paid off, with a strong finish in 1 hour 40 minutes.

Determined to push further, the challenge of a full marathon was embraced. On October 6, 2024, at the Bangalore Marathon, the dream became a reality. The first half of the race felt smooth, but at 35K, the true test of endurance began. Each step required strength, resilience, and sheer willpower. Finally, crossing the finish line in 4 hours 1 minute brought a wave of fulfillment and achievement.

What made this moment even more significant was witnessing four participants from the Positive Running Program—Ramu, Sanju, Nagesh, and Thirumal—achieve their own milestone by completing their first half marathon. Their stories of determination and gratitude reinforced the belief that, with the right opportunity, support, and mindset, nothing is impossible.

This journey is not just about running—it is about inspiring others, breaking barriers, and proving that resilience and dreams can redefine possibilities.