December 11, 2024: Hyderabad, India – Rajesh Vetcha, the founder of Hyderabad Runners and Race Director of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, has been elected as a Board Member of the prestigious Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) for a period of 4 years. The election took place during the 24th AIMS World Congress, marking a significant milestone for India in the global distance running community.
He achieves the rare distinction of becoming the first individual from the running community and the second from India to be elected to the AIMS board since its inception in 1982. This distinction underscores India’s growing influence in global distance running.
His election is of significance to India in general and Telangana in particular. This is the global recognition accorded to the endurance and road running community in Hyderabad. What his elections mean to the running community is access to information, expertise, and support to local long-distance races and runners who want to qualify to participate in international marathons and also continue to raise the stature of the marathons in India to a global level.
As a board member, his work would be to,
To foster and promote distance running throughout the world,
To work with the World Athletics on all international road racing matters and
To exchange information, knowledge and expertise among the members of the Association.
This achievement highlights the growing recognition of Indian marathons on the global stage and the impact of our collective efforts in promoting running and fitness.
Rajesh Vetcha has been a trailblazer in the Indian running movement, founding Hyderabad Runners in 2007. Under his leadership as President from 2011 to 2018, Hyderabad Runners transformed into one of the largest running organizations in India. The group institutionalized the running community with a focus on Advocacy, Training, and Events, promoting active lifestyles across the country.
Currently serving as Race Director for the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, a World Athletics Basic Label event and the second-largest marathon in India, Rajesh has also played a pivotal role in mentoring and establishing running groups and marathon events nationwide, including in Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Bhopal, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam.
An accomplished long-distance runner himself, Rajesh has participated in nearly 165 events, including marathons, half-marathons, and ultra-marathons. He views running as a way to connect with people, explore cultures, and promote community fitness as an enjoyable and accessible lifestyle choice.
Rajesh’s election to the AIMS Board highlights his significant contributions to the global running community. AIMS, with over 448 members across 113 countries, works to foster distance running worldwide and promote the exchange of expertise among its members.
Expressing his gratitude, Rajesh said, “It is an honor to be elected to the AIMS Board. This is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the growing prominence of Indian marathons on the global stage. I look forward to furthering the cause of India’s vibrant running ecosystem with insights from the experiences of the races overseas and making the voice of India heard on the global distance running space.
With over three decades of professional experience across the Corporate, Infrastructure, and Sports sectors, Rajesh continues to demonstrate exemplary leadership in sports management, policy development, and advocacy. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at NALSAR University, Hyderabad, his focus on regulatory frameworks enhances his deep understanding of governance and stakeholder engagement.
His appointment to the Board of AIMS is another step toward his vision of making running a preferred fitness activity worldwide.