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 the 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.
Rachana
For someone who competes exclusively with herself, this veteran runner of Nungambakkam Nitros who started running by accident at the age of 45 has completed several 10kms, over 25 half marathons, two 20-milers, and 4 full marathons with 7 podium finishes.
In addition to participating, she has also played an integral role in encouraging debutant women runners to realize their potential and take up long-distance running and is now leading the mentorship program since 2021.
She also enjoys trekking, swimming, cycling, badminton and yoga. Off the tracks, she is an artist at heart, creating recycled and upcycled products to encourage sustainable living.
A believer in running as a holistic form of exercise, that develops both mind and body, follow her to learn how to make running an enjoyable process.
Anu S
I joined our running group-CR OMR Trail Blazers, in 2014.
I began my running journey as a solo runner, covering a distance of 5 km. I then found mentors in my fellow runners like Sara, Roy, Sami and many more who supported me and took me gradually from 5 km to 10 km to HM to FM and then to Ultra and not to forget my Triathlon.
The journey was amazing and no looking back from them on.
As I felt good, I wanted to spread the awareness of running amongst women and feel it’s my turn to give back by inspiring more women.
I will be mentoring women debutant Half Marathon distance runners for their race in FCM 2024.
Boolakshmi
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 a 25 km 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!
Chhavi Malik
I am Chhavi Malik. I am from Tower Twisters, Anna Nagar.
I ran my first 10K in the year 2014. Though I started running late, I have always been a fitness enthusiast. I have been a regular at the gym and have also played badminton for years. After 2014, I did lots of 10 Ks, HMs and an FM in 2019 ie Auroville Marathan-2019.
I am a certified fitness trainer too.
I believe in the quote by Mohammad Ali.
“The will must be stronger than the skill”
Dr. Erika Patel
Dr. Erika Patel is a gynecologist and fertility specialist by profession. Apart from being a doctor, she is a mother of a 3-year-old.
She started running in 2016, however, she has always been into fitness since school. She joined Chennai Runners – Pettai Rappers group in 2016 after which she did her first 10km. Since then, she has done numerous short-distance races (10 km and a half marathons), a few hill runs and multiple full marathons till date.
She ran throughout her pregnancy and postpartum and also did a couple of races during pregnancy.
Most recently she finished The Comrades Marathon (90 km) in South Africa twice, in 2022 and 2023 to earn the Back-to-Back Medal.
She is currently the chapter Co-Ordinator for CR- Pettai Rappers and a part of the CR mentorship program wherein she mentors women runners for long-distance races such as Full Marathon and Twenty Miler.
Haranitha
I believe it’s better to hustle than just dream. Ran my first 10k TWCM in 2013. I was in awe to see the 42k finishers and thought to myself ‘Wow! I could never do that’
That’s exactly why I had to do that. Challenged myself only to realise discipline & consistency can transform anyone. Been part of Chennai runners Marina Minnals since 2013.
I have been part of the Women’s Mentorship program since 2022, encouraging and mentoring women debutant long-distance runners for their Full Marathon and Twenty Miler races.
Khushbu
In 2021, as an entrepreneur, I joined Kilpauk Striders (CRKS) with the intention of achieving ideal weight through running. Little did I know that it would become a therapeutic journey for me.
Rain or shine, I find joy in my morning trots. From wondering if I can even run a mile to completing numerous 10Ks, HMs, and track runs, it has been a wonderful journey.
Right now, I am excited and looking forward to completing a full marathon soon. My journey and success would not have been possible without the CR training programs and the support of my co-runners.
I sincerely feel that now it’s my turn to give back by becoming a part of this incredible initiative to encourage women in running, especially knowing that in our country health and well-being of a woman always get the lowest priority.
“Wishing you all a runderful life!”
Dr. Logeswari
Dr. Logeswari joined the Chennai Runners Porur Racers running chapter in order to lose weight.
As she began to love the process and soon found herself at the starting line for the various events taking place throughout the city. She has now done over fifty 10ks, 25 HMs, and her first FM earlier this year.
She began as a newcomer and has now grown into a chapter coordinator via her dedication to self-training while taking care of her running chapter as well.
Being a clinician and an academician in the field of dentistry also specializing in oral cancer, she exemplifies how a person may begin physical activity at any age and grow with passion.
She not only restricts this to herself but spreads positivity wherever she goes.
She is a mentor for debutant Half marathon racers for FCM 2024.
Meera
I am Meera from Bessie Flyers. A homemaker, mother of two wonderful teens and a runner by passion.
My running journey with Bessie Flyers started in 2018 and I have completed a lot of 10 km and ran my first HM under the CR Mentorship program.
These 5 years have not only been enjoyable but have also been a learning experience. It has not only helped me stay disciplined but also made me a strong person mentally as well. I was the lead volunteer for the Couch to 5k program. Apart from running, I go to the gym for workouts.
Running is my private time, my therapy which I never miss and am obsessed with.
Nalini
I am Nalini. I joined Marina Minnals a chapter of Chennai Runners in 2014.
I have never been a runner or for that matter into walking as an exercise until then. Only in 2014 at the age of 44, I started my fitness journey.
Due to Health issues and injury, I took a break from running and concentrated more on cycling till January 2023. At present, I am into strength and weight training. I am keen on learning new sports. Joined calisthenics in June 2023. I am pursuing a course on strength and conditioning this year.
Nandini
A working professional and a regular runner with the Nungambakkam Nitros,
Nandini was running solo since 2015 in the local streets of Nungambakkam wearing a salwar before joining the Nitros in 2018.
She has been holding the post of Chennai Runners Chapter Coordinator for Nungambakkam Nitros since 2022.
A beneficiary of the Chennai Runners Women’s Mentorship Program resulted in her running her longest distance of 20 milers in the 2022 Chennai Marathon.
While running a full marathon remains a goal to be achieved, Nandini believes she represents ‘the common runner’ running to maintain some level of fitness and that anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle should consider running due to its low entry barrier.
Nandhini
I am Nandhini D.R. of Tambaram Thunderbolts. I am a businesswoman striving to make a place for myself in the Education and Training Industry.
I have been into athletics and sports since grade 6. Through years of practice and dedication rose to the level of ‘National Athlete’ representing the State of Tamil Nadu. A severe injury made me take a break from sports. This break was 15yrs long, due to fear of getting injured again. A severe depression made me take solace in running again which was a blessing in disguise.
Originally a sprinter who hasn’t run (even during practice sessions) for more than 1km, I am now a full marathoner who takes my mental and physical well-being very seriously. I love sports and love testing my limits even more. I aspire to become a triathlete in the near future, taking inspiration from many women, like Eswari Andiappan, around me.
I will be a mentor for debutant Half marathon racers and will support the mentees for their strong finish.
Rajashree
I am Rajashree Govindarajan from the CR Pillar Pacers group. I am a homemaker & fitness enthusiast right from my younger days. I embarked on my running journey in 2017, after an extended period away from an active physical lifestyle due to family commitments.
I have completed numerous 10 Ks and a few HMs. Last year, I completed my maiden 20-miler at FCM, with training under the CR mentorship program.
I was the coordinator of the Pillar Pacers’ chapter for 2 years & have represented CRPP in the CR Track Attack Events. I was also a Pacer for the 90-minute bus at SPCM 2020.
As a chapter ambassador, I was chosen to mentor HM mentees under the Chennai Runners mentorship program for women. It was a wonderful experience for me, and I look forward to another set of mentees this year, too.
My running is mostly to keep myself fit but has evolved into a hobby, and any chance to help my tribe do better, I am ready for that opportunity.
Saira
Saira Biju – An artist by profession and a mother of two, Saira started running in 2019. Since then, she has run a full marathon, several half marathons and uncountable 10Ks.
Saira believes in running for the fitness of both the body and the mind. And it is this philosophy that she encourages new runners to imbibe.
As the coordinator for Coastal Runners, for three straight years, Saira has been relentlessly working towards the cause of fitness and running.
Follow her to become a mindful, happy runner like her!
Sangeetha
I am Sangeetha from Chrompet Cheetahs. A homemaker and mom of two teens. Started my running from 2018.
Inspired and Motivated by my hubby did my maiden 5k together at Spirit of Wipro Run. Completed my Maiden 21k at Auroville and Trained under Mentors Eswari and Hari for a full Marathon as a part of Chennai Runners. Successfully completed my 42k at SPCM 2022.
Completed the scenic Malnad Ultra and Bagged 2nd place at Avadi Duathlon conducted by Indian Triathlon Federation. Represented Cheetahs in All Women’s Relay in Trackathon 2022.
Running is my ME time and helps me maintain a Healthy Lifestyle.
I will be a mentor for debutant Half marathon runners and will motivate them for their best in FCM 2024.
Do More… Start Running…
Sundarambal
Sundarambal Sairamesh a Banker by profession, started her fitness routine with a basic early morning walk to fight against her health issues after her children’s delivery.
That motivated her to complete her PG in yoga and naturopathy. Subsequently within a few years, she completed her fitness trainer course too.
To add more to her fitness, she was fortunate to join the birthplace of Chennai runners and became one of the senior members of the CR Pettai Rapper family in 2011.
Her running family motivated her to complete many 10 km, more than 50 half marathons, 9 full marathons and one ultra. She has also been a podium finisher in her age category in major marathon events she participated.
She has been a Pacer and Ambassador for Marathon events in major cities.
She transformed herself into a Master Athlete, represented India a couple of times, in the 5km track speed walk and Steeplechase.
She likes to give back to the women community and encourage those who seek fitness in their daily routine. She will be a Mentor for Half Marathon distance runners during FCM 2024 training program.
She says running is her best friend. she is a proud Chennai runner Pettai Rapper.
Do more … Start Running …
Vanitha
Vanitha is a veteran MFCian who has been involved with CR MFC since its inception in 2014.
Having been a classical dancer for many years, she has always engaged in some form of physical activity through the years. However, she had never been involved in any kind of sporting activity until she started running in 2012.
Her past activities and consistent training gave her the physical strength to complete innumerable 10K marathons and one HM.
Since joining MFC, she has been a CR coordinator representing MFC and has volunteered in most CR activities.
Vanitha strongly believes in being disciplined and consistent, which has inspired many of her team members. Apart from running, she also enjoys strength sessions, yoga and Zumba.
Vanitha’s advice to women of all ages is to spend some time for yourself every day to stay fit and healthy.
Vinodhini
Life starts at 40! Restarting my running journey after 25 years with the runners group – CR Ambattur Arimass was an eye-opener for me, being a badminton enthusiast already.
Proud to get 3 Gold Medals at TN Masters (40+) Chennai District Level in 200mtrs, 400mtrs & 800mtrs. Happy that I represented the TN Masters (40+) State Level and grabbed 2 silver medals in 400mtrs & 800mtrs and was Selected for Nationals 2023. Khelo India Women Athletics went for bronze in both 200mtrs and Long jump. The proud receiver of The Female Achievement Award in Sports & Athletics on account of Women’s Day 2023.
The last running year for me started with SPCM 2022 Half Marathon, Tamil Nadu Marathon (10k -4th Place), DRHM (10K), Rolling Run(10K), Trail Run(10k), Trackathon, Avadi Night Marathon (10k- Podium Finisher Open Category-3rd), ECR Fun Run. Grabbed a Bronze medal in Mixed Relay (35+) TN Masters State Athletics Meet 2021.
A strong believer in “Only Practice makes a (Wo)man perfect”. Participated in 10 HMs before SPCM, and that’s when I started smelling my passion and addiction towards long runs. My Hubby (Family), Friends and Well Wishers (Elite Runners) are the reason for what I am now.
Health is a long-time investment that will pay off when you need it the most.