Cheers erupted as over 350 specially-abled children laced up their shoes and held hands tightly with their “buddies,” and set off on a 3km journey that “would redefine what a marathon means,” says Pramila Dugar, president of RC Calcutta Mahanagar, RID 3291, which recently organised Buddy Marathon, in partnership with Unmish Learning Centre and the Kolkata Police. The event brought together more than 1,200 participants, including 400 children with special needs and an equal number of volunteers who ran alongside them.
PRIP Shekhar Mehta, who attended the event, called it “one of the most meaningful projects the club has ever undertaken. We often measure success in numbers and medals. Today, success was measured in laughter, shared milestones and inclusion.” Flagged off by Kolkata police commissioner Manoj Verma, the marathon began at the Police Athletic Club and traced a route to Vijay Dwar and back.
The initiative, says Pramila, aimed “not to crown the fastest, but to celebrate companionship and inclusivity. This isn’t just about running but about showing up for someone. It’s about reminding all children that they belong — on the tracks, in society, and every celebration of human potential.” Participants could choose between a shorter marathon of 1.5km or 3km, making the event accessible for children with varying abilities and needs.
Among the sea of blue (participants) and yellow (volunteers) t-shirts were students from MHSI, a local school that sent dozens of volunteers to serve as marathon buddies. “I thought I was here to help. But really, my buddy taught me how to celebrate every little step,” said Ananya, a 12-year-old student who walked the entire stretch with a speech-impaired boy named Aarav. “He didn’t speak much, but when we neared the finish line, he looked at me and just grinned. That moment said everything,” she smiles.
“For many of the children, this was their first marathon and they participated with determination and plenty of giggles along the way,” notes Pramila. Each child was paired with a buddy sensitised in communication, empathy and safety when dealing with differently-abled individuals. “These companions were more than just moral support, they ensured hydration, helped navigate physical barriers, and offered constant encouragement.”
At a time when “competitive events often centre on speed and personal achievement, the Buddy Marathon offers a counter-narrative. One where success is deeply human. We’re not just changing what marathons look like. We’re changing what they feel like for everyone,” she says.