By dispelling ageism and misconceptions about running, Soles of Cochin is making Kerala healthy — one marathon at a time
Soles of Cochin at the Ageas Federal Life Insurance Kochi Spice Coast Marathon 2022. (Supplied)
It was in 2013 that a small group of Kochi-based seasoned marathon runners — Ramesh Kartha, AP Kumar, Manoj Kuriakose, Paul Mathew and Mathew Maprem — living in different parts of the world at the time, came together for a restorative reason.
In a society where age often becomes synonymous with limitations, they hoped to challenge the notion that the reality of one’s advancing years should dampen one’s pursuit of an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
And thus was born Soles of Cochin. The goal was simple — to prove that age is just a number.
“We participate in seminars and workshops to enable and motivate older runners to get more active. We have many doctors in our group who also help with dispelling some wrong notions about running, especially for seniors,” says AP Kumar, one of the co-founders of the group.
Most members of this unique running group are seniors, some in their late 70s, busting the myth that senior citizens can’t run a mile or two, he adds.
(L-R) Co-founders Ramesh Karta, AP Kumar. (Supplied)
On 30 June, 2013, Soles of Cochin organised its first group run. From this success, it gradually grew to an impressive number of 600 active members, of which over 200 are women, shares Kumar, who worked in Dubai, before returning to Kochi after retirement.
Besides the commitment to promote the culture of running, it is the strong sense of camaraderie that has fostered friendships beyond regular group runs, he insists.
“We motivate each other to run and lead a healthy lifestyle, but we also have a strong community bond that brings and keeps more people in the group. Our dropout rates are less than five percent approximately,” Kumar tells South First.
Mother’s Lap 2019 – a running event to honour mothers on Mother’s Day 2019. (Supplied)
Since its inception, Soles of Cochin has achieved numerous milestones and created lasting memories. Within a year-and-a-half of its founding, the group organised the first full marathon in Kerala. It was open to public participation, marking a significant turning point in their journey.
“Every experience has been memorable, and each one took us all forward to the next day with a smile on our faces,” Kumar fondly recollects.
Personal landmarks, such as finishing marathons, ultramarathons, and triathlons, have become emblematic of the dedication and determination exhibited by the members.
Soles of Cochin organises two annual events — the Spice Coast Marathon in Kochi and ULtrail ultramarathon in Vagamon. This year, the Spice Coast Marathon is slated to be held on 29 October, for which the group is expecting the participation of 5,000-plus runners.
Nicknamed “God’s own marathon”, this is the largest marathon event in Kerala, claims Ramesh Kartha, President, Soles of Cochin.
Spice Coast Marathon – hosted by Soles of Cochin in 2017. (Supplied)
“The race trails areas in Kochi that boast hundreds of years of history and heritage that have made it a true melting pot of cultures, ethnicities and religions. This is also a race conducted by and for runners, thereby giving the participants a fulfilling experience of course support,” asserts Kartha.
The theme of the event is “42 km, 42 landmarks”.
Each landmark on the course is one to behold and has a story to tell. These sights range from historic landmarks such as the Jewish Synagogue or Vasco da Gama’s tomb to modern architectural marvels like the Cochin Port Trust. Runners may visit these places after the race for a detailed perusal.
“When we are not organising races, we are participating in some. Currently, the majority of our members are training for the Dream Runners Half Marathon in Chennai (July), Hyderabad Marathon (August), and Bangalore Marathon (October). Individually, many of us have other target events too, including some Ironman triathlons,” details AP Kumar.
A few ‘She Soles’ after a regular group run. (Supplied)
The idea is to dispel common misconceptions about running and breaking barriers that prevent individuals from embracing running. “Our goal is to bring the sport of running to the masses, not just to the ‘elites’,” explains Kumar.
Additionally, the group aims to debunk health myths surrounding running, such as its impact on joint health and muscle loss.
A variety of running distances and routes are offered to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its members. There are four group runs per week, with 30 runners in a group, at different locations such as Edapally, Thripunithura, Aluva, and Fort Kochi.
These include strength training and cycling sessions. The group’s activities adapt to the goals of individuals, whether they are training for a marathon or simply looking to stay active. The training sessions are conducted by Rajesh Viswam, a fellow runner and organising committee member of the Spice Coast Marathon.
Soles on Wheels during a regular session. (Supplied)
The selection of running locations prioritises safety, accessibility, and the potential for post-run celebrations.
Inclusivity lies at the heart of Soles of Cochin’s ethos. Regardless of age or running ability, every member is encouraged to participate.
“Our goal is to get more and more people to run injury-free, hence we have people at all ability levels of running,” Kumar emphasises.
New runners are teamed up with others of similar abilities, and they undergo a run/walk routine to assess their potential.
Senior members of the group reap both psychological and physical health benefits as a result of their routines.
“For me, it is more about how running makes me feel. I have been running barefoot for the past two years, and it has activated the ‘feel good’ spots in my brain and contributed to my mental well-being. Besides, I also cycle, and have been using the same Firefox cycle for nine years. I have completed a few half-marathons, but I am usually happy with a regular 10 km run and an occasional 50 km cycle ride,” testifies Jayaprakash Nambiar, a sexagenarian, who is an active member of the group.
Senior members of the group reap both psychological and physical health benefits as a result of their routines. (Supplied)
Seventy-year-old Rosiline Johnson, who became a part of the group in 2017, reports that she has no lifestyle diseases due to regular running.
“I do everything that the group does except cycling. Strength training has made me stronger, and given me the confidence to live life. Earlier, I found it difficult to be quick on my feet, now it is different. Usually, people my age have to take medicines regularly for a variety of illnesses related to old age. But, I have been able to avoid this for the past six years,” says the retired school principal.
The group serves as a go-to resource for health-related initiatives in Kochi. Besides actively collaborating with authorities to combat drug abuse among the youth, they advocate for town planning policies to create a healthier and activity-friendly city.
For aspiring runners or those interested in joining Soles of Cochin, Kumar offers a simple and powerful message.
Sunrise 10K hosted by Soles of Cochin in association with Sunrise Hospital in 2017. (Supplied)
“Running is the simplest of all sports — natural to us, requiring no special equipment or grounds. All you need is an open mind and two mobile legs. Put one foot in front of the other. Repeat.”
Nothing can stop Soles of Cochin from doing what they do best — not even the rains. “Runners enjoy the monsoons more than the hot and humid climate. ‘Rain or shine, let’s meet at the start line’ is the tagline for training,” Kumar signs off.
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