Celebrating strength, solidarity, and women moving forward together without fear.
HYDERABAD, Oct 26 (The CONNECT) –
The Hyderabad Runners Society, in collaboration with the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), successfully conducted the 5th edition of Starlight Strides – Women’s Night Run 2025 at Gachibowli on Saturday night, marking a strong statement on women confidently claiming their rightful space in public environments after dark. Over 1,100 women participated in the run, which celebrated women’s safety, fitness, confidence, and community spirit under the starlit sky.
The event was flagged off by Ms. Srujana, DCP–Women Safety, along with Mr. Kalyan, Director – Kalamandir, and Arun Kumar, President – Hyderabad Runners Society. To ensure a safe and supportive environment, SCSC deployed 20 trained traffic marshals, enabling smooth coordination across the route.
“It’s inspiring to witness women thrive in a night run designed exclusively around them,” said DCP Ms. Srujana, underscoring that access to public spaces at all hours must be a right, not a privilege.
Adding vibrance to the atmosphere, a group of saree runners drew cheers from the crowd, symbolizing the message that women can run, express, and take pride in tradition while embracing fitness.
The event featured 10K Timed, 5K Timed, and 5K Fun Run categories, encouraging participation from women across age groups and fitness levels. As part of the ‘Gift a Run’ outreach effort, 30 women from NGOs such as Nirman received complimentary entries to promote inclusivity.
A key feature this year was ‘Women’s Kouch25K’, a structured six-week training program. Over 180 women completed their 5K graduation run, mentored by 22 women coaches who were felicitated on the occasion.
The night concluded with the joyful ‘Run in Saree, Win Big’ contest, presented by Kancheepuram Varamahalakshmi Silks, awarding ₹2 lakh worth of gift vouchers to standout participants.
The event reaffirmed Hyderabad Runners Society’s mission to build a safe, welcoming, and fitness-driven running community for women across the city.
