India, Oct. 3 -- At an hour when most of Chandigarh and adjoining Mohali and Panchkula are still asleep, tricity's runners are already on the move. Shoes hit the pavement, watches start ticking and familiar faces gather at parks, roads and open spaces. With the local marathon season getting underway, these runners are gearing up for a busy calendar.

For them, it is less about collecting bibs and medals and more about building a routine, finding motivation and, increasingly, finding their people. From established running groups to newer communities and solo runners, Chandigarh's running culture is moving beyond a solitary morning jog.

The tricity's running scene today spans communities with distinct identities, one of them being Oye Runn...