01
The tekdis
Vetal Tekdi, ARAI Tekdi, Taljai and Hanuman Tekdi are Pune running in a nutshell. Dirt paths, short steep climbs and a view at the top. They are uneven, so watch your footing and walk the steep bits when you are starting out.
Our city
Running in Pune
Pune is a running city. Hills on every side, cool mornings for half the year and a lot of people out on the roads before sunrise. Here is how to make the most of it.
PUNE
An early morning city
If you want to see Pune running culture, step out at 5:30 AM. The tekdis fill with walkers, joggers and runners. Groups gather at the bottom of the hills. Chai stalls open for the people coming back down. By 8 AM in summer most of it is over.
That early start is not a habit for its own sake. Pune gets hot through the day for much of the year, the air is cleaner early, and the roads are quieter. Run early and you get the best of the city.
Where to run
Every area of the city has somewhere good. The best route is the one close enough that you actually go.
02
University and campus roads
The wide, tree lined roads around the university area are popular with early morning runners and walkers. Campus access rules change from time to time, so check before you plan a route inside one.
03
Lakes and open stretches
The roads around Pashan lake and other open stretches on the edges of the city are good for longer, steadier runs. Go early, before traffic builds.
04
Parks and grounds
Local gardens and grounds are perfect for beginners. Short loops, softer surfaces, other people around and a bench when you need one.
05
Sinhagad and the hills around the city
For hill training and long weekend outings, the forts and ghats around Pune are hard to beat. They are a serious effort. Go with company, carry water and start early.
Heat, monsoon and the good months
October to February
The best running season. Cool, often crisp mornings. This is when most of the big races in and around Maharashtra happen, so it is also race season.
March to May
Hot. Run very early or after sunset. Carry water on anything longer than half an hour, slow down, and do not chase times. Heat exhaustion is real, and it does not care how fit you are.
June to September
The monsoon. The city turns green and the running is lovely, but roads get slippery and potholes hide under puddles. Read the monsoon running guide before the rains start.
Staying safe
- Run facing traffic on roads, so you see what is coming.
- Skip the headphones, or keep one ear free. You need to hear bikes and dogs.
- Wear something bright or reflective before sunrise and after sunset.
- Tell someone your route if you go out alone, especially on hills and trails.
- Stray dogs: slow to a walk, do not run straight at them, and pick routes you know.
- Women runners: run with company when you can and pick well used routes. The WhatsApp community is a good place to find a running partner near you.
- Carry your phone and a little cash.
Where to buy shoes and gear
You do not need much. Shoes that fit, clothes that do not hold sweat, a cap and a water bottle cover most of it.
- Specialist running stores. Best for a first proper pair. Staff can watch you jog and suggest a fit.
- Big sports chains. Good for basics: socks, shorts, caps and budget shoes.
- Brand outlets. Useful if you already know which model you like and want to try sizes.
- Online. Fine for repeat buys once you know your size in a model. Try new shoes in person.
Ask in the community before a big purchase. Someone will have run in the shoe you are looking at.
How to find running groups in Pune
There are a lot of running groups in Pune, from big clubs to five friends who meet at the same tekdi. You do not have to pick just one. Most runners we know are part of more than one community.
PuneRunners Club is a free community for every pace. Members plan their own runs. Find company and make plans in the WhatsApp community. Say where you live and what pace you run.
Pune running clubs and groups
An open directory of running clubs and groups in Pune. Any group that welcomes new runners can be listed, free.
The directory is just getting started. If you run a group in Pune that welcomes new runners, send us the name, the area you run in and a link, and we will add it.