A Run Under the Lights: Witnessing Magic from the Sidelines

A summer evening buzzing with excitement. Stadium lights slowly flickering to life. Cheerful greetings from participants. Families eager to be part of a fun event. The scene felt like a carnival and a sports meet rolled into one. The entire venue pulsed with anticipation and energy. Team members huddled for last-minute strategy discussions. Organizers applied final touches. Volunteers managed the remaining details. Spectators settled in, ready for an exciting night.

On 19th April 2025, Capital Runners Gandhinagar (CRG) hosted the first edition of the Stadium Night Run — a unique event that brought 108 runners together, forming 18 teams. The goal: run laps around the beautiful PDEU Stadium track, with each team member running for 30 minutes.

This time, I wasn’t a runner. Instead, I had the joy of volunteering and observing from the sidelines — and what I witnessed was a beautiful blend of effort, joy, team spirit, and sportsmanship.

Setting the Stage

The evening kicked off with bib distribution — thoughtfully designed so that teams could be identified just by glancing at the number. Participants and spectators alike enjoyed tasty, nutritious refreshments. And, as with every CRG event, no start is complete without the legendary CRG photoshoot!

After a quick felicitation ceremony to thank sponsors and contributors, the group came together for the National Anthem — a unifying and inspiring moment.

The Race Begins

The race was designed to give as many CRGians as possible the thrill of a stadium night run. The 18 teams, each with six members, took turns on the track. Every runner had 30 minutes to clock as many laps as they could.

As the countdown ended, PDEU Stadium came alive. The first set of runners launched into their half-hour effort, determined to deliver their best for their teams. The warm evening added an extra challenge for the early batches, but our CRG cheetahs powered through, cheered on by volunteers at hydration points who handed out much-needed water bottles.

While spectators and teammates cheered runners all around the track, the biggest crowd gathered at the finish line — and, true to CRG spirit, everyone cheered for every runner, not just their own team members. Volunteers counting laps worked efficiently, with our coach Anup calling out team numbers as runners completed each lap.

Cheering, Clapping, and Community Spirit

From the sidelines, we volunteers clapped, cheered, and passed out water — deeply connected to the runners’ energy even though we weren’t on the track. Spectators didn’t hold back either. Whether supporting family or friends, they clapped and cheered right till the last runner crossed the finish line. Many even ran short stretches alongside runners to encourage them.

The little CRG cubs weren’t left out either! Thanks to Mayanka and Yogita, fun games kept them entertained — and their energy surprised us all, even late into the night.

Under the Stars: Celebration and Camaraderie

As the evening cooled, runners, spectators, and volunteers gathered to share a delicious dinner. Laughter, stories, and the joy of togetherness filled the air beneath the starlit sky.

When the last runner completed their laps, pride was visible on every face — whether they’d run sixteen laps or just one. Hugs, group photos, water breaks, and shared smiles made the finish line feel like a reunion more than an end.

But the excitement wasn’t over! Several teams tied for positions, leading to thrilling face-offs between their fastest runners. The cheers grew louder as winners were finally announced. The top three teams proudly accepted their trophies, but the celebration was shared by everyone. A professional photographer captured these magical moments, preserving memories of smiles, laughter, and camaraderie.

Adding to the night’s vibrancy was Prakhar, our lively MC, whose energy kept the crowd engaged right until the last lap.

Behind the Scenes: A Team Effort

Bringing this event to life took immense teamwork, planning, and flawless execution. Race Director Dipen and his dedicated team of volunteers delivered with passion and precision. The guidance of President RK Sir and the support of the ExCom were evident throughout — from site visits to trial runs and meticulous planning.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for their invaluable support, and to CRG for constantly pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences.

What I Took Away

From the sidelines, I saw more than a race. I witnessed a community moving as one, cheering for each other, and celebrating the simple joy of running. That night reminded me that you don’t have to be on the track to be part of something meaningful. Sometimes, watching and supporting is just as fulfilling as running itself.

I didn’t wear a bib that night, but I left feeling like I had been part of something special. Maybe next time I’ll run — but for now, I’m grateful I got to see the magic unfold under the lights.