By Ananya Chakravati, Kanchan Tripathi, Pankaj Kotwani, Prateek Mishra, Vignesh Sadras, Yatin Dullabh

​​​​The Running from the Mind Community is a vibrant group of dedicated runners and spiritual seekers from across North America, united by a shared commitment to push their limits and run 13.1 miles (21 kilometres). Now in its 8th year, this remarkable journey began on Hanuman Jayanti, April 23, 2024, and concluded on September 27, 2024, with 175 inspiring participants.

​​What sets this community apart is not just the miles run, but the meaningful connections forged along the way. Through monthly satsangs held online, the group stayed united, making participation accessible to all. Each session featured insightful discourses by Acharya Vivek Gupta, followed by interactive workshops that stirred profound discussions. A special highlight of the year was an enriching session with Arun Sarkar, India’s fastest 100-mile runner, who shared how the wisdom of Vedanta profoundly shapes his running and life journey.  

​Guided by the powerful motto, “Train To Run, Run To Quieten​,” the community focused on nurturing a healthy body, calming the mind ​and uplifting others through service. Runners recited the sacred Gayatri Mantra while ​​running, harmonizing physical effort with spiritual practice. Beyond running, the community made tangible contributions by donating footwear and supporting the Elevate HERstory Initiative, a movement dedicated to women’s empowerment. 

​Participants embraced this initiative with their own unique half-marathons, complete with water stations and joyful celebrations, while others ran the Akron Half Marathon in Ohio alongside Acharya Vivek Gupta.  

​Looking ahead to 2025, the community plans to reunite in Akron for a powerful collective run, with exciting new technologies on the horizon to enhance collaboration and connection. 

​This initiative continues to uplift and inspire by seamlessly blending spiritual growth, physical endurance, and heartfelt service to others​.