There comes a point past the first 500m on a morning run when you wish you had stayed home. &ldquo;We call it the brick wall,&rdquo; says Swetha Subbiah, co-founder of the women-led sports community, Sisters In Sweat, with Tanvie Hans. This weekend, Subbiah will team up with the Bombay Running Club to launch an exclusive women-only run club in the city.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2025/feb/Priyanca_e.jpg" alt="Priyanka Walanju" width="1280" height="720" /> Priyanka Walanju
Though running is an individual sport for many, it can be challenging for women in India. Subbiah admits, &ldquo;There has been a paradigm shift in women reclaiming sports in urban spaces, However, they can still be hesitant when it comes to running alone or in a large mixed group.&rdquo; The club will be the first women-only running club in the city, says Priyanca Walanju, co-founder of Bombay Running Club. A runner for the last 10 years, Walanju says, &ldquo;When you have women running alongside, it is comforting.&rdquo;
Sisterhood on the move
&ldquo;It is a myth that women do not like sport. Over the last five years, we have witnessed more and more women take to sports, from badminton and padel, to swimming and MMA,&rdquo; Subbiah points out, adding that the run club is part of a diverse list of female-only sport sessions the community plans to host in the city.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2025/feb/Mobility-exercise_e.jpg" alt="The opening day will also include a mobility session for the runners" width="1280" height="720" /> The opening day will also include a mobility session for the runners
Walanju accepts that there are unique challenges for women in a mixed running group; the pace of male runners can often pressure women to try and keep up. There are also issues like running during menstrual cramps or finding the right sportswear. A women-only club offers them a platform to speak freely on diverse subjects.
Even early morning runs of Bombay Running Club at 5.45 am can be a hurdle. &ldquo;Though we have regular women runners who are always present, we understand many women miss out owing to their domestic responsibilities. That&rsquo;s why we chose to offer them the flexibility of starting at 6.30 am,&rdquo; shares Walanju.
Planned progress
As a sport, running requires discipline and a regimented programme. Subbiah remarks, &ldquo;One of the key issues is consistency. Working with professional runners can help you overcome that brick wall.&rdquo; Walanju underlines the approach saying, &ldquo;A plan helps avoid long-term injury. We will offer a regimented training plan, shaped to suit individual needs and preferences.&rdquo;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2025/feb/SIS-run_e.jpg" alt="Participants warm-up during a session in Bengaluru" width="1280" height="720" /> Participants warm-up during a session in Bengaluru
Yet, with March on the horizon and temperatures on the rise, the idea of running in Mumbai&rsquo;s traffic can pose enough intimidation. Deepak Oberoi, co-founder, Bombay Running Club notes, &ldquo;We have been conducting runs on the roads for a long time, and have structured a method. There will also be instructions offered on the run to stay in a single file, address during a road crossing or obstructions.&rdquo;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2025/feb/Shwetha-Subbiah_e.jpg" alt="(From left) Tanvie Hans and Swetha Subbiah" width="1280" height="720" /> (From left) Tanvie Hans and Swetha Subbiah
The first session on Saturday will be an icebreaker. &ldquo;It will be an easy session with a light jog-run followed by coffee and conversations,&rdquo; shares Walanju. Though the urban weather is not the best, Subbiah says, &ldquo;We have to make the best of each cityscape. As a community, we want women to step out of their houses to experience sports and make new friends.&rdquo; In the end, it comes down to helping women find their own space. Walanju notes, &ldquo;No one is looking to make a podium finish right now. All you need is turn up, make new friends, and slowly achieve your goal.&rdquo;
FROM March 1; 6.45 am AT Sante Spa &amp; Cuisine, Royal Opera House, Girgaon.&nbsp; LOG ON TO @sistersinsweat.in and @bombayrunning (to register)
Running notes &gt;&gt; Opt for comfortable running shoes &gt;&gt; Choose weather-appropriate apparel that is easy, and comfortable &gt;&gt; Do not pressure yourself to hit a mark &gt;&gt; Take the inconsistencies with a pinch of salt &gt;&gt; Be open, and make new friends&nbsp;
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An exclusive women-only run club kicks off their first session on Saturday to set the pace for a safe and confident space for Mumbai female runners

Mumbai: Introducing all-women run club for empowered female runners

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Mumbai: Introducing all-women run club for empowered female runners

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