Women Ambassadors

The CR Women Ambassador’s program was initiated in 2021 to encourage women to take up running as a means to achieve physical and mental fitness. This training for half, twenty miler and full marathon curated and executed by experienced runners was received with extraordinary enthusiasm by all women participants. Inspired by the success and driven by the objective of building a fit and thereby happy society, the program has been extended and intends to continue to empower women through running and fitness.

VAISHNAVI SRINIVASAN

CR PETTAI RAPPERS

Vaishnavi Srinivasan, a social entrepreneur, embarked on her running journey with CR Pettai Rappers during the Chennai runners C25K program. While still refining her skills, she completed her first Twenty Miler at the Freshworks Chennai Marathon in January 2025. Passionate about spreading the joy of running, Vaishnavi aspires to inspire and empower more women in Chennai to embrace this transformative and addictive habit

YAZHINI K.K.S

CR AMBATTUR ARIMAS

I began my running journey in my late 20s after exploring various fitness activities for weight loss. Running was never on my radar until I participated in the CR Ambattur Arimass Women’s Day Run in 2020. Inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of the group, I joined them and gradually built a regular walk/run routine with my team.To my surprise, running not only helped me lose weight but also enabled me to overcome various health issues. From being someone who once hesitated to walk even 100 meters, I went on to successfully complete a Half Marathon, all thanks to the CR Mentor Mentee Program.

Now, I am determined to give back by sharing what I’ve learned as a dedicated fitness activist, especially with the women around me.

I always believe and say—if I can do it, so can you!

PRATHIMA CHHABRIA

CR NUNGAMBAKKAM NITROS

Prathima, Program Advisor & Coordinator at Indiahikes School Of Outdoor Learning, stumbled into running through a social media challenge—five days of consecutive 5K runs. What began as a simple fitness goal soon turned into a passion, driven by her love for high-altitude trekking. She has since achieved a hat-trick at DRHM 10K and secured podium finishes at the Chennai Masters District Athletic Championship in 2019 and 2021, proving how running builds a strong foundation for other pursuits.

Running since 2012 with Nungambakkam Nitros, she has consistently challenged herself across various distances. Over the years, she has completed several 10K races and half marathons, using running as a means to build endurance and a better quality of life. Whether racing on city roads or training for her next big run, Prathima finds joy in the rhythm of her strides. For her, every run is not just about fitness—it’s about pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges.

Dr. SONALI KANCHAN

CR OMR TRAILBLAZERS

43 year old Dr. Sonali Kanchan’s fitness journey began post-pregnancy with yoga and walking, but it was running that truly sparked her transformation in 2022. What started as casual post-dinner runs soon led to 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and her first full marathon at the Tata Mumbai Marathon. From there, she pushed her limits further, completing her first 50 km ultra-marathon in Jaisalmer.

Fitness is now a way of life. Alongside running, Sonali practices gymnastics, calisthenics, strength training, and powerlifting. As a certified nutritionist and personal trainer, she has helped many achieve their fitness goals.

As an ambassador, she’s passionate about inspiring women to take the first step, stay consistent, and believe in their potential. She leads by example—and is here to mentor anyone ready to prioritize their health and fitness.

ANKITA RATHORE

CR COASTAL RUNNERS

Meet Ankita Rathore, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary spirit! By day, she’s a banker and a devoted mom to her 5-year-old. But by passion, she’s a runner! Ankita’s journey began with the Couch to 5K program led by Chennai Runners, which once seemed daunting. Now, she eagerly awaits her running days! A firm believer in balancing running with strength training, Ankita embodies a holistic approach to fitness. Weekends find her lacing up her shoes for morning runs, followed by relaxed evenings with a cup of coffee. Beyond running, Ankita also loves fashion and enjoys trying out new trends. For her, fitness and style go hand in hand! Running is Ankita’s happy place, and she’s eager to share that joy with others! She wants every woman to experience the joy of running, so come and let’s run together!

Dr. LOGESWARI KARTHIKEYAN

CR PORUR RACERS

Dr. Logeswari karthikeyan joined the Chennai Runners Porur Racers chapter with a simple goal—to lose weight. But as she embraced the process, running soon became a passion, leading her to the starting line of various events across the city.

From a newcomer to chapter coordinator and now an ambassador, her journey is a testament to dedication, self-discipline, and a commitment to both personal growth and community leadership.

She has taken on multiple roles in running—runner, pacer, coordinator, and mentor—all while balancing her responsibilities as a clinician and academician specializing in oral cancer research. Her story proves that anyone can start their fitness journey at any stage in life and grow with passion.

As a mentor, she has guided numerous first-time half marathoners through the Chennai Runners mentorship program, helping them achieve their dream distance. And this year, she’s set to do it again—bringing more women into long-distance running and empowering them to conquer new challenges.

SANTHIA SURENDHIRAN

CR CHROMPET CHEETAHS

Santhia Surendhiran, IT professional.Inspired by my daughter/ husband run, and fellow runners from the Chrompet Cheetahs, I began my running journey in 2023. Since then, I’ve successfully completed numerous 10K races, including the ECR Run, ORR Run, FCM, Hyderabad Marathon, Kodaikanal Wild Warrior and few 8 Milers.

Being a book worm in the past, running has transformed me to a better version in all aspects of life. Feeling more empowered and powerful after I took running as a working women and mother.

I always believe that consistency is the key for more s(miles).
With a passion for running, my goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages people especially women from all walks of life to experience the joy of running.

SANDHYA NAGARAJAN

CR BESSIE FLYERS

I am Sandhya, a mother of two, an ERP consultant by profession.

I joined the Bessi Flyers chapter from the C25K program in. I have done few 10km ,and a Half Marathon in FCM-2025.

Becoming a morning person and following a plan for the D-day has definitely made me a disciplined and a conscious person. My running journey has just started but it has given me a lot of insights on nutrition, strength training and recovery post run. The knowledge and the vibe in this group is amazing which I cherish for life.

GEETHA KRISHNAN

CR T NAGAR TRENDSETTERS

“Running is not just about distance—it’s about growth, perseverance, and community.”

I’m Geetha Krishnan, and as the new Woman Ambassador of my fabulous chapter T Nagar Trendsetters, my mission would be to encourage more women to take that first step into running, proving that no matter where you start, progress is always possible.

I work in Life Insurance and my other interests include painting, reading, writing, music as i find joy in creativity and discipline.

Running became part of my life just last year, and with the unwavering support of this incredible community, I’ve been able to push my limits and complete multiple 10+ km runs—all while balancing work, family, and my eclectic list of passions.

Beyond running, I am also part of the CR TNT media group, using it to connect, uplift, and strengthen our community.

I’m excited for this journey ahead and look forward to growing together as a running family!

SHANTHINI

CR TOWER TWISTERS

From a person who didn’t like the very thought of running even 50 metres I became a passionate runner by sheer accident and luck When marathons were becoming famous I joined running group CR Towertwisters with single aim of just completing a 10 km in chennai event either by walk too just for experience ..but joining a running group to train for it turned my fitness life upside down for ever ..As a perfectionist to do anything proper after I joined the group I was bit by the running bug. From a person who ran her first 5 km in 45 minutes to I graduated as a person who won podium 4 times consequently in my age category ..I take it a pleasure to guide any new runner with the knowledge I got from my coach and many running stalwarts of Towertwisters ..particularly it’s a pleasure to help a woman runner achieve her dream of continuos running ..since running has made me a fitter person and fight my inner demons like gynaec issues better I take pleasure in giving back to running community in any way I can ..I hope to bring in more women to running so they benefit what I benefitted.

HEMA AMBIKA

CR MARINA MINNALS

Hi, I’m Hema Ambika, a 42-year-old runner from Chennai. As a wife, mother, and HR professional, I’ve learned to balance my life’s demands. My running journey started with the CR C25K program with the Marina Minnals, and since then, I’ve completed multiple 10km events. Running has become my passion, and I’ve found a sense of community and belonging among fellow runners.

My goal was to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but running has given me much more. As an ambassador for CR Marina Minnals, I’m excited to support and motivate fellow female runners. Let’s run together, support each other, and celebrate our successes!

RADHA SOLAYAPPAN

CR PILLAR PACERS

Having never participated in sports even during school, Radha’s fitness journey began with Chennai Runners in 2018—and she hasn’t looked back since! She completed her first 10K at SPCM 2019 and her first half marathon at SPCM 2020. Since then, running 10Ks and another half marathon has simply become a part of her life, keeping her active and motivated.

Radha has mentored peers for their 10K marathons and previously served as a chapter coordinator. She brings infectious energy to the community, always encouraging and supporting others in their running journey.

As one of the Women Ambassadors, she hopes to encourage more women to start running and experience the same confidence and growth it gave her, helping them break barriers along the way.

VINIFA THOMAS

CR MOGAPPAIR FITNESS CIRCLE

I’m Vinifa Thomas, and I joined the Couch to 5K program by Chennai runners, which introduced me to the welcoming community at CR Mogappair Fitness Circle. Since then, I’ve participated in several half marathons, with my current goal being to complete a 21K comfortably in under 2 hours. Running has become a source of joy, and I now look forward to my morning runs as much as my first cup of coffee.

PRIYA BOKADIA

CR KILPAUK STRIDERS

I joined CR Kilpauk striders in 2018 . Always been a fitness enthusiast, and passionate about running. Running is my stress buster . Done lots of 10 kms and half marathons as well. Recently I ran a half marathon in Auroville it was a wonderful experience.

I am passionate about cycling as well . I’ve one a couple of 100kms and many 50 kms in cycling too.

VIDYA

CR TAMBARAM THUNDERBOLTS

Vidya is a part of the Tambaram Thunderbolts Chapter of Chennai Runners. She has been running for many years and has also coached the 2023- Couch to 5k batch of TTB. She loves endurance running because it gives her a chance to unwind. Getting a woman to run is challenging due to various reasons but a fit woman can result in a fit and healthy family and a healthier Chennai overall is her firm belief.

BOOLAKSHMI

CR VIBRANT VELACHERY

This is Boolakshmi from Vibrant Velachery.

*Embrace your power, lift others up, and let your light shine, for when women come together, there is no limit to what we can achieve* – this is the quote that I believe in and that peps my morale in the face of adversities.

A doting mom of two teens, a homemaker by occupation, an ardent runner by passion hailing from team Vibrant Velachery, I am a people person. I embarked on my running journey in 2015 and ever since, there’s been no looking back! Within a year of joining VV, I completed 25km Ultra distance & sprint distance triathlon twice. In my initial years, I used to dabble in cycling for cross training but gradually shifted my focus to running. I take pride in stating that I have countless 10k and HMs to my credit, including 4 FMs. Endurance used to be my focal point initially, but now I have graduated to speed running.

I am always game to discovering new insights, learning from others’ perspectives and sharing my experience with my co-runners. I look forward to the new assignment of Mentoring HM mentees, that I have been entrusted with and hope to do my bit in encouraging women to join the running contingent!