In Bengaluru, the simple act of running is being transformed into a vibrant social movement. Across the city's parks and streets, groups of enthusiasts are lacing up their shoes not just for exercise, but for connection, conversation, and camaraderie.
The Rise of Runversations and Community Bonds
A key trend driving this shift is the popularity of 'runversations' – engaging in conversations while running. This practice turns a solitary workout into a shared social experience. At the heart of this culture is BHUKMP, one of the city's prominent long-distance running groups. The group's unique name is an acronym derived from major marathon events: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ultra, Kaveri Trail, Mumbai, and Puducherry.
Milind Chalisgaonkar, a 60-year-old member, highlights the social fabric of the group. The runs are frequently followed by communal breakfasts, which serve as opportunities to celebrate personal milestones. "Two days ago, we met at a microbrewery for lunch," Chalisgaonkar shares, illustrating how the bonds extend beyond the track.
Structure and Coordination of the Weekly Runs
The group organizes a two-and-a-half-hour-long run every Saturday morning, starting and concluding at the iconic Cubbon Park. This weekly ritual is affectionately called 'Dandi', a name that reflects its flexible nature, allowing participants to join at various points along the route. Communication and logistics for the group are managed primarily through WhatsApp, where members discuss a wide array of topics. Importantly, admission to the BHUKMP group is completely free, emphasizing its community-focused ethos over commercial interests.
Beyond Fitness: Celebrations and Cultural Echoes
The spirit of community witnessed in Bengaluru's running circles finds resonance in other facets of city life. Recently, the Embassy Lake Terraces (ELT) residential complex ushered in the New Year with a landmark community celebration. The event, planned by the Embassy Lake Terraces Apartment Owners Association (ELTAOA), featured a live band from Goa, a top DJ, and premium food and beverages. Juggy Marwaha, a management committee member, stated, "At Embassy Lake Terraces, we believe that true luxury today goes beyond homes—it’s about experiences that bring people together."
Simultaneously, the city's cultural heartbeat was evident in the celebration of legendary Kannada poet Kuvempu's 122nd birth anniversary on December 29, observed as Vishwamanava Day. Beetle Book Shop in Vijaynagar hosted a special lecture and launched the second edition of 'Hosa Odugarige Kuvempu' (Kuvempu for New Age Readers), a collection of essays by KV Narayana. The event also featured insights from writer-translator Vanamala Viswanath, who translated Kuvempu's 'Malegalalli Madumagalu' into English as 'Bride in the Hills'.
From the synchronised footsteps of runners in Cubbon Park to collective celebrations in apartments and literary gatherings, Bengaluru is showcasing a powerful model where physical activity and social connection seamlessly merge, creating stronger, more engaged communities.
