Long distance runner elected as a Board Member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.
HYDERABAD, Dec 12 (The CONNECT) – Rajesh Vetcha, the founder of Hyderabad Runners and Race Director of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, has been elected as a Board Member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) for a period of 4 years.
The election took place during the 24th AIMS World Congress held recently.
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.
His election is of significance to India in general and Telangana in particular.
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.
Expressing his gratitude, Rajesh said, this is not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the growing prominence of Indian marathons on the global stage.
His appointment to the Board of AIMS is another step toward his vision of making running a preferred fitness activity worldwide.
