What can I expect if I come out to run with the group, will I be welcomed?

YES! We try to be as welcoming and friendly as possible to new people joining us for runs. We’ve heard it said numerous times that we are the friendliest club in India!

 

Do I have to become a member before ever coming out to run with the club on a Sunday run?

NO! You are entirely welcome to check us out first to see if we are a good fit for you. However, we love new members so if you find you like RCI (and you will), please join!

 

Do I have to become a member before participating with the club at track workouts?

YES! The club affords liability insurance as a precondition for officially using some rather nice all weather track facilities as a group. Unfortunately, our insurance can only vouch for club members in good standing. By joining as a member, you help to afford safe, accessible training venues for yourself and your training partners.

 

Is RCI for beginning runners?

We welcome serious runners of all abilities and have had many beginning runners over the years. However, if you have not been running at all or running is completely new to you, you may not be able to find someone to run with at your pace.

 

Where does the Sunday Distance Run begin?

The Sunday Distance Run (SDR) starts at 8 a.m. from the cubbon park in MG Road, Bangalore. Here is a map. The starting time in the summer shifts to 7 a.m. in an effort to beat the heat. Check the RCI Events Calendar to verify which start time is in effect.

 

I’m going to be in city for an internship (or temporary work assignment). Can I run with the club without officially joining?

YES! We welcome visitors who are in the RCI running area for brief stints to join us at any time without becoming formal members of the club. This is especially true for students who are sometimes here for internships and on very limited budgets.

 

Do members get together to run at other times?

YES! Members participate in track workouts and runs sponsored by other organizations in the city or metro area in addition to participating in RCI’s Sunday distance runs. Additionally, members will organize ad hoc runs and workouts to meet their training needs.

 

Your Sunday distance run information says from 5 miles to 20 miles. What does that mean?

As is the case with all running clubs, the larger group forms smaller groups made up of runners running different distances and varying paces, depending on their objectives (e.g., marathoners may do a 20 Kms-miler while non-marathoners might choose to run 5 kms). This isn’t done formally—mostly by discussion or organically.

 

What are your upcoming plans (i.e. pace, route, routine) for training as a group?

Sometimes we make more formal plans in advance of the Sunday Distance Run or the Track Workouts. When we do, those plans get posted by members to this website under the category of Training.

 

Does the RCI offer formal coaching or training programs?

Yes, RCI offer formal coaching, but there is a wealth of knowledge among the active members in the club about training. Many members have run multiple marathons and freely share information on their training. The RCI club has members who excel at many distances, from 5Ks to ultra marathons. Members exchange ideas while running, over coffee, through emails, the club newsletter, and via the club’s social media hubs.

 

Can I expect to improve my running and fitness if I join RCI?

YES, but it all depends upon what you are willing to invest. So, if you are serious about setting goals and achieving them, you will improve your fitness and running by joining the club. Most of our members, who have improved, will let you that they have exceeded their goals and that their fellow RCI members played a role in helping them do it.

 

How big is RCI and what is the membership make-up?

We have approximately 100 active group running group leaders in the club. Our Runners Group Leaders represent a wide variety of age groups of runners and are nearly an even balance between male and female members.