Latest news with #UltraMarathon
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Built for the Long Run: How Aguante Activewear Is Changing India's Running Game
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 15: In a market flooded with style-first activewear, Aguante, India's own homegrown performance wear brand, is carving a niche by going back to the basics: gear that works. Explore Aguante's Performance Wear Running Isn't a Trend, It's a Movement Across India, from city parks in Mumbai to sunrise trails in Pune, running has evolved from a fitness trend into a growing subculture. According to Strava's 2023 Year in Sport report, India saw a 59% year-on-year increase in running club activity, one of the highest globally. Add to that India's top-three position in the Comrades Ultra Marathon participation rankings and over 50,000 runners showing up at the Mumbai Marathon each year, and it's clear: running is no longer niche. But as more Indians lace up their shoes, many still settle for activewear that's either overpriced, poorly fitted, or simply not made for India's sweat-heavy climate. A Brand Born from the Struggles of a Runner Enter Aguante, a performance wear brand founded in 2018 by Manoj Thakur, a seasoned retail professional and long-distance runner. It began with the realisation that most high-performance running gear on the market wasn't designed for Indian conditions or runners. "I was logging kilometres in Pune's heat and humidity, and I realised my gear was holding me back," says Manoj. "It wasn't wicking sweat, the fit was off, and the seams chafed mid-run. I wasn't alone, every runner I knew had similar frustrations." With his 20+ years of experience in apparel through his other venture, BodyBasics, Manoj set out to build something purpose-driven: gear that performs under pressure, not just under studio lights. By Runners, for Runners Aguante's mantra is simple: solve the small problems that make a big difference on the road. This isn't gym wear repackaged for runners. It's athlete-engineered apparel, developed through feedback loops with everyday and semi-professional runners, tested during real training cycles. From split shorts with gel pockets to lightweight race-day singlets and half tights designed for long-distance comfort, Aguante listens, builds, refines, and tests again and again. Every detail is obsessed over, from moisture-wicking fabric and anti-chafe seams to perforation zones for breathability and reflective detailing for visibility. "This wasn't about looking good in an Instagram post--it was about creating gear that helps you train better," Manoj says. The Rise of Homegrown Performance Wear According to Research and Markets, the Indian sports apparel market was valued at USD 673.34 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.2%. And performance wear, especially D2C brands with athlete-led insights are leading that charge. While global brands may dominate footwear, India's homegrown apparel innovators are carving space through quality, community, and cultural fit. Aguante is part of this shift, quietly but steadily. Though its core remains in the running community, Aguante's gear is also popular among gym-goers, yoga practitioners, and endurance athletes who share the same pain points with mainstream brands. No Endorsements. Just Community. In a landscape flooded with celebrity endorsements, Aguante is building something rarer: organic credibility. The brand has grown without big-bang campaigns or flashy ambassadors, instead focusing on grassroots, D2C-first approach. You'll find no billboards here, just finish-line photos of real runners wearing Aguante gear in Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad. You'll see product reviews that speak not of style, but of how the gear helped someone shave time off their half-marathon PR. Looking Ahead: Performance, Sustainability & Community As Aguante scales, the brand isn't racing to diversify. There are no plans (yet) for shoes or accessories. Instead, it's doubling down on core categories: running, fitness, and technical performance apparel. Sustainability is a key part of this roadmap. Aguante has committed to transitioning to 100% recycled fabrics by 2030, and all products are ethically manufactured in-house to maintain control over quality and labour practices. The brand is also investing in deeper community engagement, partnering with running groups and athletes, amplifying real stories through social media, and building a tribe that shares more than a product, it shares a purpose. Run With Aguante Whether you're a first-time 10K-er or training for your fifth marathon, your gear should help you go the distance, not hold you back. And with Aguante, that's exactly what you get: apparel that performs when it matters most.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Public backs top contenders as Comrades race director post opens
ANN Ashworth, Graham Block, Rene Kalmer and Norrie Williamson are some of the names being touted on social media for the vacant position of Comrades Marathon race director, which is open for applications until Monday, July 21. The Ultra Marathon posted on their website and social media pages on Tuesday that they are searching for 'a highly experienced race director to manage the planning, co-ordination, and execution of the Comrades Marathon', sparking a frenzy of comments. A number of the commenters are calling on the requirements to include applicants being a race finisher or a Green Number holder. 'Make sure the race director is a runner,' commented Kosie Gericke. 'Then he or she would understand the needs and requirements of a race.' This request was supported by Sbonelo Ndlovu who said, 'Be comrades marathon finisher, please add to your requirements.' The comments were made in line with this year's controversial finish of the nearly 90km Down Run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, which was at the roadside near People's Park. This was a first for Comrades and it sparked confusion and chaos among runners and spectators alike, bringing the stadia precinct to a standstill in traffic. Also Read: Organisers slam false reporting of deaths at Comrades Marathon It also resulted in runner M33485, Moira Harding, going missing after finishing the ultimate endurance race at 16:52 on Sunday, June 8. She was found on Mahatma Gandhi (formerly Point) Road in Durban on Monday morning and had to be airlifted to hospital. Harding, who was exhausted from running 89km, had walked further 7km to an arranged meeting point with her family. 'One of the requirements should be that the potential race director should be skilled at ensuring eliminating confusion at the end of the race to ensure that no one gets lost after the run,' weighed in Robert Shivambu on Facebook. Among the requirements of the vacancy is strategic management, event management, risk and safety management, stakeholder and community engagement, communications and media, essential competencies, post-event monitoring, evaluation and reporting. 'Be part of preserving the race's rich history while driving innovation, operational excellence, and an unforgettable participant experience,' read the advert. Also Read: VIDEO: Missing Comrades Marathon runner found near port The position was previously held by Alain Dalais who was appointed to the post of general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) in January. He served as the acting race and operations manager since July 2024 following the dismissal of Ann Ashworth in June. Following numerous tags on the social media post, Graham Block responded: 'Oh Wow! I am both honoured and humbled all at the same. Thank you to everyone for believing in me. HUGELY APPRECIATED, Run Zone Athletics Club is my heartbeat and my life. We have so much planned for the future of our members and Run Zone Athletics Club. We as a club will assist, contribute and be involved with Comrades Marathon as much as possible. Run Zone Athletics Club Page is and always will be my heartbeat and my loyalty to our members is top of my life's goals and dreams next to God, my Wife and my Family. Thank You.' For the full job description and to apply, visit For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Comrades Marathon seeks new race director to lead iconic event
ANN Ashworth, Graham Block, Rene Kalmer and Norrie Williamson are some of the names being touted on social media for the vacant position of Comrades Marathon race director, which is open for applications until Monday, July 21. The Ultra Marathon posted on their website and social media pages on Tuesday that they are searching for 'a highly experienced race director to manage the planning, co-ordination, and execution of the Comrades Marathon', sparking a frenzy of comments. A number of the commenters are calling on the requirements to include applicants being a race finisher or a Green Number holder. 'Make sure the race director is a runner,' commented Kosie Gericke. 'Then he or she would understand the needs and requirements of a race.' This request was supported by Sbonelo Ndlovu who said, 'Be comrades marathon finisher, please add to your requirements.' The comments were made in line with this year's controversial finish of the nearly 90km Down Run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, which was at the roadside near People's Park. This was a first for Comrades and it sparked confusion and chaos among runners and spectators alike, bringing the stadia precinct to a standstill in traffic. Also Read: Organisers slam false reporting of deaths at Comrades Marathon It also resulted in runner M33485, Moira Harding, going missing after finishing the ultimate endurance race at 16:52 on Sunday, June 8. She was found on Mahatma Gandhi (formerly Point) Road in Durban on Monday morning and had to be airlifted to hospital. Harding, who was exhausted from running 89km, had walked further 7km to an arranged meeting point with her family. 'One of the requirements should be that the potential race director should be skilled at ensuring eliminating confusion at the end of the race to ensure that no one gets lost after the run,' weighed in Robert Shivambu on Facebook. Among the requirements of the vacancy is strategic management, event management, risk and safety management, stakeholder and community engagement, communications and media, essential competencies, post-event monitoring, evaluation and reporting. 'Be part of preserving the race's rich history while driving innovation, operational excellence, and an unforgettable participant experience,' read the advert. Also Read: VIDEO: Missing Comrades Marathon runner found near port The position was previously held by Alain Dalais who was appointed to the post of general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) in January. He served as the acting race and operations manager since July 2024 following the dismissal of Ann Ashworth in June. Following numerous tags on the social media post, Graham Block responded: 'Oh Wow! I am both honoured and humbled all at the same. Thank you to everyone for believing in me. HUGELY APPRECIATED, Run Zone Athletics Club is my heartbeat and my life. We have so much planned for the future of our members and Run Zone Athletics Club. We as a club will assist, contribute and be involved with Comrades Marathon as much as possible. Run Zone Athletics Club Page is and always will be my heartbeat and my loyalty to our members is top of my life's goals and dreams next to God, my Wife and my Family. Thank You.' For the full job description and to apply, visit For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
The race is on: Comrades search for race director
ANN Ashworth, Graham Block, Rene Kalmer and Norrie Williamson are some of the names being touted on social media for the vacant position of Comrades Marathon race director, which is open for applications until Monday, July 21. The Ultra Marathon posted on their website and social media pages on Tuesday that they are searching for 'a highly experienced race director to manage the planning, co-ordination, and execution of the Comrades Marathon', sparking a frenzy of comments. A number of the commenters are calling on the requirements to include applicants being a race finisher or a Green Number holder. 'Make sure the race director is a runner,' commented Kosie Gericke. 'Then he or she would understand the needs and requirements of a race.' This request was supported by Sbonelo Ndlovu who said, 'Be comrades marathon finisher, please add to your requirements.' The comments were made in line with this year's controversial finish of the nearly 90km Down Run, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, which was at the roadside near People's Park. This was a first for Comrades and it sparked confusion and chaos among runners and spectators alike, bringing the stadia precinct to a standstill in traffic. Also Read: Organisers slam false reporting of deaths at Comrades Marathon It also resulted in runner M33485, Moira Harding, going missing after finishing the ultimate endurance race at 16:52 on Sunday, June 8. She was found on Mahatma Gandhi (formerly Point) Road in Durban on Monday morning and had to be airlifted to hospital. Harding, who was exhausted from running 89km, had walked further 7km to an arranged meeting point with her family. 'One of the requirements should be that the potential race director should be skilled at ensuring eliminating confusion at the end of the race to ensure that no one gets lost after the run,' weighed in Robert Shivambu on Facebook. Among the requirements of the vacancy is strategic management, event management, risk and safety management, stakeholder and community engagement, communications and media, essential competencies, post-event monitoring, evaluation and reporting. 'Be part of preserving the race's rich history while driving innovation, operational excellence, and an unforgettable participant experience,' read the advert. Also Read: VIDEO: Missing Comrades Marathon runner found near port The position was previously held by Alain Dalais who was appointed to the post of general manager of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) in January. He served as the acting race and operations manager since July 2024 following the dismissal of Ann Ashworth in June. Following numerous tags on the social media post, Graham Block responded: 'Oh Wow! I am both honoured and humbled all at the same. Thank you to everyone for believing in me. HUGELY APPRECIATED, Run Zone Athletics Club is my heartbeat and my life. We have so much planned for the future of our members and Run Zone Athletics Club. We as a club will assist, contribute and be involved with Comrades Marathon as much as possible. Run Zone Athletics Club Page is and always will be my heartbeat and my loyalty to our members is top of my life's goals and dreams next to God, my Wife and my Family. Thank You.' For the full job description and to apply, visit For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Cosmopolitan
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
The cast of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders now: Six months after filming, here's what they've been up to
Season 2 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is now streaming on Netflix, offering fans an inside look as DCC Senior Director Kelli Finglass and Head Choreographer Judy Trammell assemble another elite team of talented athletes. The episodes picked up just before the final round of auditions for the 2024–2025 squad and followed the chosen candidates through training camp, emotional cuts, the official team reveal, and into the heart of the NFL season. The NFL season wrapped up in January 2025, meaning some time has passed since filming ended. From DCC Senior Director Kelli Finglass to the veterans, rookies and some of our fave alums, here's what the squad are up to now. Kelli Finglass, a former DCC from 1984 to 1989, became director in 1991 and transformed the squad into a global brand. Known for her high standards and no-nonsense leadership, Finglass expected nothing less than excellence from every cheerleader this season. Since filming ended for the second season, Kelli has been spending time with family. She posted a picture from her son Ryan's 31 mile marathon run, writing: "A regular marathon wasn't enough… first Ultra Marathon in the books! ✅ Proud of @ryan_finglass #31Miles #LegsOfSteel." She also appeared on Beavers Wealth Management podcast alongside Ryan for a Mother's Day special episode, and responded to rumours she'd had a face lift in a video posted to her Instagram. Judy Trammell, a DCC alum from 1980 to 1984, became head choreographer in 1991 and has led the squad's iconic routines for over four decades. In March, she announced she's expecting her fifth grandchild sharing a picture of her son and his partner at their baby gender reveal. A month later, she celebrated her first born's birthday, sharing a throw back snap on her grid. Before joining the DCC in 2022, Amanda danced for the Golden State Warriors and overcame a training camp cut with determination and grit. Since filming, Amanda has been travelling the world with her husband Ralph. They've been everywhere from Switzerland to Lake Como and have been sharing lots of scenic photos on their Instagram accounts. In May, she attended Dallas Cowboys 2020-2024 cheerleader Jessica Bowman's (now Lanham) wedding. Alongside a picture of her and Ralph, she wrote: "The best night celebrating the @jbo97 and @lanham5 🥹 isn't the bride just perfection? Wow!" Once known as Caroline's little sister, Anna Kate stepped into her own as a seasoned DCC member after a strong rookie year. She turned 25 in June and was surprised with a party from her boyfriend Michael Snyder. As well as turning a year older, Anna has been travelling and doing press for the show, recently travelling to New York along with the rest of the squad. Armani has been booked and busy since filming, working with several brands including Vaseline and Shea Moisture. She's also been doing a bit of travelling, and attended Jessica Bowman's hen weekend in Cabo, Mexico. She moved home in May and shared the process to her 67,000 followers. The longest running veteran to try out for the year, Chandi has been keeping busy since season two ended. She recently had a little hair makeover, dying her dark locks honey brown. She attended the baby shower of Dallas Cowboys 2020-2024 cheerleader Mckenzie in February. After making the team last year, Reece returned as a veteran for season two, now happily married to her college sweetheart and first ever boyfriend, Will. She celebrated her one-year anniversary in April, sharing a picture from her wedding day with a sweet message. "I'm so thankful God placed you in my life and to have been a part of an incredible vendor team to document your beginnings as husband and wife" she wrote."It's been such an honor to watch your journey and all the amazing things God is doing through you both." The same month, she sat down with Will to talk to Valley View Baptist Church youth. A fan-favorite rookie candidate last season, Charly was the 2023-2024 squad's very last cut. Since filming, she's been doing a bit of travelling, as well as spending time with fellow rookies Ariel and Ava. One of the breakout stars of season one, Kelcey spent five seasons with the squad from 2019-2024. Following her retirement from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 2024, Kelcey shifted her focus to her full-time career as a pediatric nurse. She also got engaged - and later married - to Nate Crnkovich. Although she's stepped away from the spotlight of professional cheerleading, she continues to stay involved in the dance and wellness world and she's still very close to the team, recently attending Jessica's wedding. Kalina joined the DCC in 2019 and became a four‑year veteran. After taking a break, Victoria relocated to New York to chase her dream of joining the Rockettes, and now shares her life through fitness, dance, and mental‑health advocacy. She regularly posts videos of her choreography on Instagram and recently shared a video of her last dance for DCC to promote the second season. America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheeleaders season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
