Early risers and morning joggers along the ecr are used to a fluorescent green helmet gliding down every day at 4am. Wearing it is Priya D, A Member of WCCG ​​(Chennai Cycling Group Started By Divagaran Thiyagarajan), who Cycles Every morning down that stretch to the music of sia’s unstopble”s unstopped ‘ Attached to the cycle. Of late, the cyclist is more determined to put in extra kilometres as she trains for the chennai cyclists Aalam Deepam Duathlon Organized by Aalam, The Philanthropic Wing of WCCG. ,

Just like Priya there a number a number of other enthusiasts the city and India who are gearing up for the fourth Edition of this Fundraiser. The proceeds will go towards the humans of cycling initiative, started by WCCG ​​during the Pandemic in 2020, where Cycles are given to that from from disadvantaged sections of social.

“People were walking long distances to get to their workplaces. In a lot of cases, the sole breadwinner of the family not go to work beCause there was no transport and as a result they didyan’s right get paid. This Included men and women who worked as domestic help, milkmen, cooks, cobblers, college students who had part time jobs etc. So we started this initiative to make them mobile. It also helps them save money on transport costs and health benefits.we want to make sure more people use non-motorized transport as it’s environment friendly, “Says Priya.” Says Priya.

Beneficiaries are identified by a team who decide if they are eligible after visiting them. The duathlon in its first and second Editions Raised Funds for Its Other Social Initiatives. The last one was dedicated to the humans of cycling. So far, the group has managed to provide cycles to 150-plus people.

The alam Deepam Duathlon Comprises Cycling and Running. It is a virtual event and will take place place between April 1 and 9. Anyone from any part of the world can join in. There is five different categories based on Experience: Five Kilometre Walk/Run Followed by a 20-Kilometre Ride; The olympic category is a 10-kilometre run following by a 40-kilometre ride; There is even a category that kids can participate in, which is two kilometres walk and five kilomtre ride. “One can do it as an individual or team rally. The only stipulation is all participants need to have a strava id, “Explins Priya. Thos who compe the challenge win a medal and a t-shirt.

“The 10-kilometre run is no joke,” Says Priya adding that for a cyclist, the run is not easy. So they practice walking 40 kilometres and riding 400 kilometres in a month. Various riding and running groups from all over India are looking to participate in this challenge. The Last Edition Had Over 850 Participants. This year the event is targeting a larger participation and aims to collect enough funds to sponsor at least 200 bicycles.

The registration fee starts at ₹ 549 per head and varies depending on the category. For details, log on to www.chennaicyclists.com