Dolcy D’Cruz
Since its inception in 2015, the Rotary Rain Run has grown into one of Goa’s most eagerly awaited sporting events, evolving into a celebration of fitness, inclusivity and community spirit. The 12th edition will be held on Sunday, July 26, at the Atal Stadium (SAG Athletic Stadium), Bambolim. Known as one of Goa’s most inclusive running events, the Rotary Rain Run welcomes participants from all walks of life. Every year, the starting line features wheelchair athletes, senior citizens, homemakers, school and college students, families, corporate professionals, members of the Armed Forces, seasoned runners and those attempting their very first race. The event organised by the Rotary Club of Porvorim features categories of 21.1 km half marathon, 10 km run, 5 km fun run, and 2 km family run, making it accessible to participants of all ages and fitness levels.
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WHEN SPORTS CHANGES LIVES
Ritesh Vaigankar, manager of an NGO that encourages persons with disabilities to participate in sporting events, has witnessed the Rotary Rain Run become increasingly inclusive over the years. A below-knee amputee with 88 per cent disability who runs using a prosthetic leg, Ritesh says his organisation has been participating in the event for nearly five years, with the number of wheelchair participants steadily growing each year. So far, 17 participants, including standing and wheelchair athletes, have confirmed their participation. “Earlier, we had to write to organisers requesting them to make the event inclusive. Over the years, after continuous dialogue, organisers themselves have started ensuring that persons with disabilities are welcomed,” he says. Today, he adds, several races in Goa, including the Rotary Rain Run, have dedicated categories for persons with disabilities and make conscious efforts to ensure accessible routes and provide assistance wherever required. “Sports is the best thing that makes a person with a disability come out of their house. When they see others participating, they feel motivated to join too.” For Ritesh, the impact of sport is deeply personal. “When I started participating in 2019, I couldn’t even walk properly. I managed to complete just one kilometre,” he recalls. Year after year, he kept training and challenging himself, and in January 2026 he completed a 10-km run using his prosthetic leg. He says. “I’m proud to say that I completed the entire distance running.” His achievements extend beyond road races, Ritesh also became the first Goan with severe disability to trek to Nepal’s Annapurna Base Camp. For him, every inclusive sporting event is an opportunity to inspire others with disabilities to step out, stay active and realise that physical limitations need not define their ambitions.
THREE GENERATIONS, ONE FINISH LINE
Kuheli Bhattacharya, is a Panjim-based eye surgeon and a mother for whom the Rotary Rain Run is a family tradition that has grown stronger with every passing year. “I participate every year with my son. Not just my son, but my dad also. He turns 70 this year,” she says. Her father, Kunal Bhattacharya, travels from Kolkata to Goa every year to coincide with the run and his grandson Shresth Rane’s birthday in early August. Even Sujata, who worked with the family for several years, has become an integral part of the tradition. “She has been running with us for the last three years. We always encouraged her to participate, and she really enjoys doing the Rotary Rain Run,” Kuheli shares. Kuheli’s own association with the event began a decade ago when Shresth celebrated his first birthday. “I wanted to see my own fitness level after pregnancy, so I signed up for the run,” she recalls. This year marks her tenth consecutive Rotary Rain Run, while her son, now almost 11, has been participating for several years. He began with the 5-km category before taking on the 10-km run last year as part of his 10th birthday celebrations. She adds, “He finished in one hour and 12 minutes, which was very exciting. This year he’s running the 10 km again, and we’re hoping he goes under an hour.” Ironically, despite its name, the event has rarely been washed out by rain. “Last year it rained continuously for three days before the run, but not on race day. Somehow, we’ve always had that luck. As long as it’s cloudy, I’m happy,” she says with a smile. A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER’S RUNNING BOND For entrepreneur Tanna Sachar, the Rotary Rain Run has become an inseparable part of life since she moved from Pune to Goa in 2017. Over the years, the experience has become even more special because she now shares it with his 14-year-old daughter, Heba. Tanna says. “This will be the third year in the 10-km category with my daughter, though she’s always been part of the event.” Heba’s first took part in the children’s activities and shorter races before gradually moving up to the 5-km category. “Whenever children her age were doing one or two kilometres, she was already doing five,” Tanna says proudly. A Class 10 student, Heba is also a basketball player who recently represented Goa at the national championships in Puducherry. Despite her busy training and school schedule, she makes time to prepare for the Rotary Rain Run. Like many runners, race preparations also include getting the right gear. “Just yesterday, we bought her a new pair of running shoes. Her old shoes had worn out because of basketball, so she wanted a fresh pair for the run,” says Tanna.
A DREAM TO RUN WITH GRANDCHILDREN
For veteran runner and civil engineer Madhav Talak from Margao, every marathon in Goa is more than just a race, it’s a celebration of fitness, community and the outdoors. Having participated in the Goa River Marathon since its inaugural edition, Madhav has remained a familiar face at almost every running event in the state, including the Rotary Rain Run. “I participate in all the marathons held in Goa because unless we participate, others won’t get the motivation. I always encourage my friends, neighbours and everyone around me to take part,” he says. Interestingly, Madhav’s journey into running began after years of being a dedicated swimmer. “I have been swimming regularly for almost 25 years. Running gives me immense joy. You’re surrounded by nature, you discover new places and you get to see the real Goa. For our Sunday long runs, we choose different routes. Last week, we ran from Savordem to Loliem, covering nearly 70 kilometres in phases through the night,” he says. Around 20 runners took part in the practice session, accompanied by support vehicles.
The group is preparing for the demanding 65-km Hell Race, scheduled to be held in Goa next month. Fitness has always been central to his life. A former state-level table tennis player during his school and college days, he has spent nearly five decades balancing his career in civil engineering and construction with an active sporting lifestyle. His two sons went on to become state-level swimmers. While his sons have chosen the water over the road, Madhav already has a new running partner in mind. “My grandchildren are four-and-a-half and four years old now. My dream is to run with them when I turn 75. By then they’ll be old enough to understand and enjoy it with me.” For the younger generation, his advice is simple. “Running is one of the easiest sports. All you need is a simple pair of shoes, a T-shirt and shorts. Early mornings are the best because once the day begins, work or studies take over. Start your day with a run, enjoy the outdoors and do it for good health and lifelong fitness,” he advices.
