Indian American Running Club’s Mission Is About Lifting Each Other Up While Pursuing Fitness Goals
Kamini (second from the left), Girish, and Satheesh at the TCS New York City Marathon.
To celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the Indian American Running Club (IARC), a nonprofit organization based out of Long Island with nearly 200 members. Founded in 2021, the club hosts races, training runs, group runs, and fun runs, and this November, having completed NYRR’s 9+1 program in 2024, 11 members will make their 26.2-mile debuts at the TCS New York City Marathon.
“It’s been incredibly fulfilling to watch our members grow, support one another, and take on this milestone together as a team,” said IARC vice president and board member Kamini Patel, the first club member to begin the 9+1 program and qualify to run the five boroughs.
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon won’t be IARC’s first big showing at an NYRR event. In 2024, 65 women members ran the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, and they even traveled into the city together on a charter bus.
“For many of the women, it was their very first race, and the energy of running alongside thousands of women from all over the world was incredibly empowering,” said Kamini. “Seeing their joy and pride made all the organizing completely worth it.”
IARC members at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K.
From the beginning, IARC has welcomed runners of all ability levels. First-time racers lace up alongside seasoned vets, and everyone is on equal footing.
“Our mission is simple yet powerful: to pursue fitness goals while lifting each other up along the way,” said IARC co-founder and “unofficial coach” Satheesh Thandayanparambil. “Every member is encouraged not only to work on their own progress but also to actively support and inspire those around them. Together, we create an environment where success is shared, and every milestone—big or small—is celebrated.”
Satheesh said he is a lifelong runner, but he started as a track athlete and didn’t attempt longer distances until 2012, when family health concerns motivated him to try his first half marathon. That race became a crucial moment in his life (he’s since finished four marathons and two ultramarathons, as well as many half marathons), and another moment came in 2020, during the pandemic, when he decided to stop running solo and connect with some runners he met in a Facebook group. They quickly struck up a friendship, and that group evolved into the IARC.
Although membership numbers have grown significantly, the club has maintained the spirit that’s been there since the pandemic.
“I truly enjoy running with the group—there’s something special about completing both local and international races alongside people who’ve become close friends,” said IARC member Girish Panchal, who joined four years ago. “I also love organizing special runs for new members, especially when they lead to fun social gatherings afterward.”
Girish has been running since 2001 when a friend of his encouraged him to take on his first half marathon. At the time, he hadn’t even walked a 5K but crossing the finish line filled him with so much joy and pride he knew he wanted to keep going.
“Running has brought countless benefits to my life—it’s improved my health, helped me sleep better, reduced stress, and created a foundation for lasting positive change,” said Girish.
He added it’s great to see more Indian Americans getting involved in the New York running community and that there are so many amazing races and events in the area, along with some of the best running routes.
“There is a giant opportunity for Indian Americans to participate and join the community. Our biggest challenge is motivating interested beginners to get started. A run club like IARC can make a huge difference with encouragement, support, and inspiration,” he said.
According to Satheesh, leadership is key at IARC. The organization empowers individuals from within to step up and mentor and motivate others, and that helps everyone reach their fitness goals. It will also inspire more Indian Americans to become part of the New York running community.
“I believe we are making strong progress,” says Satheesh. “There is much more awareness in the community now compared to 10 years ago. However, it will take continued effort from organizations like IARC to engage even more people in our community and inspire them to adopt healthier lifestyles.”
Kamini credits IARC with introducing running to people who didn’t necessarily grow up with the sport.
“It’s been really special to see so many first-timers, people who never imagined themselves running, now showing up at races with confidence and excitement,” says Kamini. “We’re creating a running culture within our own community, and that’s something I’m really proud of.”
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