Happy Miles and Happy Smiles!
As the famous actor, writer, and musician Richard O'Brien said, “Running is not just about your last race or weekly mileage. It's about community, about celebrating every runner's journey.” This perfectly captures the spirit of Colombo Night Run (CNR); a community where people from all walks of life come together for their shared passion — running! From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community
It all started in 2016 with a simple idea when one person took part in a night run in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a running community. Inspired by this experience, he decided to start a similar running community in Colombo. Together with 16 colleagues, they organised the first night run on Thursday, June 9, 2016. The group soon expanded beyond just colleagues, inviting a wider community of runners from Colombo. Today, what began as a small gathering has blossomed into one of Sri Lanka's largest running communities with over 1000 participants. Runners from 39 countries now consider themselves part of the CNR family.
Inclusivity at its Core
CNR welcomes runners of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned marathoners. Anyone with a smile is welcome to join the community. It is completely free, and CNR welcomes people of all genders and professions. Runners can wind their way through Colombo's lively streets at night on a designated 5km route — it's a one-of-a-kind way to experience its vibrant atmosphere. But CNR goes beyond just running. It's a non-profit community that empowers you to reach your fitness goals in a safe, supportive environment. CNR also offers exciting running events throughout the year, a chance to connect with fellow runners and push your limits (or, as runners say, achieve those PBs!).
Celebrating Milestones with Cake
On the first Thursday of June, CNR celebrated its 8th anniversary in style! A large crowd of runners, including international members visiting Sri Lanka for the occasion, painted the streets of Colombo in CNR's signature neon green and yellow colours. The evening kicked off with an energetic 5km run, followed by a fun 400m relay and, of course, delicious cake!
Guiding New Runners to Find Their Stride
Colombo Night Run (CNR), in collaboration with its partner community Colombo City Running (CCR), offers a Couch to 5K program. This program introduces newcomers to running and helps them achieve incredible milestones, from their first jog to conquering their first 5K run. All proceeds from this program go directly to worthy causes. With a supportive community cheering them on every step of the way, many Couch to 5K graduates become lifelong running enthusiasts!
The Road Unfolds: Join the Journey!
With many exciting opportunities ahead, Colombo Night Run is eager to welcome more runners and share the joy of running, one stride at a time! Want to be part of this unique experience? Join CNR every Thursday at 7:15 pm at Independence Square, next to the D.S. Senanayake statue.
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