Positive Running

There is magic and beauty in running. There is also a sense of community that anchors one’s soul to life. The children of the Positive Running Program know this. While their daily medicines keep the deadly virus away, daily physical activity builds healthy, confident young individuals.

The mission of the Positive Running Program is to enable good health and self-sufficiency in children living with HIV and growing up in disadvantaged circumstances. The essence of the Positive Running Program is to create not winners of the race, but winners for life.

The objectives of the Positive Running Program are to:

  • Promote physical fitness through age-appropriate running, endurance, and strength training that build stamina and discipline.
  • Foster healthy growth by providing food supplements where needed and equipping children with nutritional knowledge to make informed choices.
  • Cultivate teamwork, self-confidence and leadership, encouraging goal-setting and resilience so every child learns to believe in their own strengths, both on the track and in life. 

The Positive Running Program is implemented in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, in South India. So far in 2026, the program reaches 466 children and adolescents (8-21 years), including 273 boys and 193 girls. Of these, 137 children have completed the two-year program, demonstrating sustained commitment to their training and development. An additional 183 children are actively engaged in the program, continuing their journey toward completion.

The Positive Running Program includes 3 modules that cover physical and mental health, nutrition education, and leadership development. Topics have theoretical and practical components that include exercise physiology, strength conditioning, nutritional education, injury prevention, and leadership skills such as goal-setting and resilience. Participating children receive nutritional supplemental resources related to daily protein, electrolytes, and micronutrient intake. Participants are supported by designated Captains and Senior Captains who train participants, track daily attendance, motivate them, and function as role models and changemakers in the making.

I. Exercise physiology and techniques

  • Running: This session is designed to help participants improve their running form and technique, enhancing efficiency, preventing injuries, and maximizing performance. Key topics include foot placement for efficiency, the importance of core strength and stability for maintaining posture, and breathing techniques to optimize oxygen intake, reduce fatigue, and enhance endurance.
  • Strength conditioning: Build foundational knowledge in basic strength training and running exercises, utilizing bodyweight and resistance bands. Emphasize the vital role of consistent physical activity within a healthy lifestyle. Highlight a diverse of exercises and stretches designed to enhance joint mobility, muscle flexibility, and core stability.
  • Injury prevention: Introduce essential exercises and strategies crucial for maintaining optimal health during physical activity. Stress the significance of rest and recovery in health maintenance. Educate participants on preventive drills for daily exercise routines, promote proper footwear and equipment usage, and teach correct techniques to mitigate injury risks.
  • Sports nutrition: This session delves into the specific nutritional needs of runners, emphasizing how proper nutrition can enhance performance, aid recovery, and prevent injuries. Participants learn about the role of various nutrients, hydration strategies, and meal planning tailored to the demands of running.
  • Goal setting: This session equips individuals with the tools and strategies necessary to set effective goals and create a structured plan to attain them. Key topics covered include understanding the importance of goal setting for success, introduction to the SMART criteria for setting goals, steps to break down larger goals into manageable milestones, and strategies to maintain commitment towards achieving these goals.

 

II. General health

  • Foundational health: In this session, participants are offered insights into the core scientific components that form the foundation of exercise theory, including anatomy, physiology, and hygiene. The session aims to promote physical wellness, hygiene practices, regular health monitoring, and awareness of common health risks, alongside preventive lifestyle measures.
  • Nutrition: Provide practical guidance on cultivating healthy eating habits, maintaining balanced diets, and understanding the role of nutrition in supporting physical activity and overall well-being. Teach basic nutrition (macronutrients, vitamins, minerals), encourage mindful eating, stress hydration’s significance pre/post-exercise, and address special dietary needs/disorders.
  • HIV education: The participants are provided with HIV/AIDS education which is crucial for raising awareness about HIV, and making informed decisions about their health. Topics include the biology of HIV, modes of transmission, treatment medications, and the impact of running on the immune system. We are dedicated to empowering participants to thrive and run joyfully despite HIV.

 

III. Psychosocial health
Running promotes the integration of mental and physical health. Self-awareness enhances psychosocial health through self-reflection and positive talk. Resilience is developed through mindfulness and positive reframing, helping participants overcome challenges and improve performance by viewing setbacks as growth opportunities.

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Sahana Papanna

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities. I face each day with courage” Sahana refuses to let orphanhood or HIV define her. She faces each day with courage. Regular exercise is vital for her, offering strength and vitality. She empowers young people to prioritize health and pursue their dreams with determination.

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Sridhar Laxmanacharya

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Embrace the power of running; it transforms your spirit and empowers you to conquer any challenge life presents.” Sridhar, 21 years-old and living with HIV, finds health and happiness through sports. He motivates young people to stay active, showing them that being physically active can keep life joyful.

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Jeevitha Ravi

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“My journey with the Positive Running Program began at the age of 12 as a participant, where running and peer support helped me overcome isolation and build confidence. Today, as a Captain, I train and mentor other children in the same program that shaped me, giving back the hope, strength, and joy it once gave me.”

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 Vinay Kumar

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“I started running to stay healthy, but it quickly became an inseparable part of my life. Now, I want to share this journey with children, helping them experience the same empowerment and freedom that running has given me.”

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Yesheswini Venkatamuniyappa

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Running isn’t just a sport for me—it’s a reflection of my journey and growth. I strive to inspire students to lead healthy, happy lives. My mother is my world, and just as she has been my strength, I aim to be a source of encouragement, spreading positivity and motivation wherever I go.”

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Ramu Sanju   2023-2025

Assistant Program Manager, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“I want to inspire young people to embrace running for their health.” At 19 years, Ramu’s life showcases resilience. Despite being born with HIV and orphaned at 7 years, he found sanctuary in running and in inspiring youth to embrace running for health.

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Meghana Gowda  2023-2025

Assistant Program Manager, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Running gives me power. I want all girls to find their dream and pursue it”. At a young age, Meghana lost her parents, but began a transformative journey of education and self-discovery. Driven by her passion for sports, she leads with compassion, empowering underprivileged girls to prioritize health and embrace exercise.

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Amar Kashinath  2023-2025

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“I find hope and joy in running, and I want to show other children how they can change their lives into whatever they want.” Amar, born with HIV, overcame immense challenges. He is relentless in his pursuit of knowledge, and is committed to transforming children’s lives through running and resilience.

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Jeevitha Pushparaj  2024-2025

Assistant Program Manager, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Being a good role model is the most powerful way to inspire and equip young minds—sharing what we have learned to help them grow. To me, running is more than just a sport; it’s a connection to life, teaching resilience, joy, and well-being.”

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Nalini Dhanapal   2024-2025

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Losing my mother at a young age was my biggest challenge, but it taught me to stand on my own. I built my life with resilience, determination, and a passion for growth. Running alone was tough, but everything changed when I ran with the children—their energy brought me joy. The Positive Running Program opened a new world for me, where I discovered strength in community, learning, and self-belief.”

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Nirmala Kallappa  2023-2024

Captain, Positive Running Program, RISHI Foundation

“Keep chasing your dreams, knowing that each step brings you closer to making them come true.” Nirmala, a resilient 19-year-old from Bidar, faces life with HIV head-on while pursuing her Bachelor’s studies in Commerce. She is celebrates the power of regular exercise and helps children stay fit through sports and dance.

The Positive Running Camps are designed to give children a structured environment that integrates physical training, health education, and personal development. The camps focus on running, endurance, strength training, nutrition awareness, and leadership development to strengthen fitness, health understanding, and leadership.

Participants engage in planned running sessions, bodyweight exercises, and endurance activities, complemented by practical learning on nutrition, hygiene, rest, and recovery. Foundational concepts in exercise science, including anatomy, physiology, and injury prevention, are introduced to help children understand how to train safely and effectively.

Leadership and teamwork are central to the camp experience. Through structured activities and shared challenges, participants practice decision-making, goal-setting, and problem-solving, while learning to support and lead their peers. This approach helps children recognise their own strengths, build resilience, and step into leadership roles, on track and within their communities, laying the foundation for future leaders.

Running Camps

Positive Running Camp 2026

In 2026, the RISHI Foundation’s Positive Running Program will host four residential camps across South India, empowering 182 children through fitness, health education, and values-based learning. Each camp offers a supportive environment to inspire lifelong healthy habits through structured training and community engagement.

Positive Running Camp 2025

In 2025, the RISHI Foundation’s Positive Running Program will host four residential camps across South India, empowering 182 children through fitness, health education, and values-based learning. Each camp offers a supportive environment to inspire lifelong healthy habits through structured training and community engagement.

Positive Running Camp 2024

In August and October 2024, RISHI Foundation’s Positive Running Camps empowered 235 children through structured fitness, health education, and teamwork activities. Held in Krishnagiri and Chennai, the camps combined running, yoga, and wellness sessions in Tamil and Kannada, building confidence and a commitment to lifelong fitness.

Positive Running Camp 2023

Positive Running Camp 2023 at Snehagram, Tamil Nadu, brought together 27 youth from seven institutions for a three-day program focused on fitness, leadership, and well-being. Through workouts, sessions on sports nutrition and HIV awareness, and peer learning, participants built confidence, strengthened community bonds, and emerged as advocates for fitness in their communities.

Running Events

The Program facilitates each child to participate in at least two 5K running events per year. This personal goal serves as a motivator, setting personal growth benchmarks, and opportunities to celebrate collective achievements. This approach promotes inclusivity, equal opportunities, and team spirit. Training schedules are customized for effective preparation, and participation is determined by consistent attendance and dedication.

Consider going the extra mile
Sponsor additional running gear and athletic training equipment for children as the program continues to expand in 2026-27.

How your donation helps:

  • ₹ 1000 enables a child to participate in a national running event
  • ₹ 2000 provides two pairs of T-shirts, pants and shorts for a child
  • ₹ 2500 brings ten children a month of nutritional supplements consisting of eggs, pulses, fruit, electrolytes
  • ₹ 5000 supports a child to attend a 3-day running camp (travel, food & accommodation)