wellness
Malad Runners Discover Two Parks Hosting Weekly Parkrun Events
Malad runners are turning to weekly timed events at two established local parks to build fitness routines amid the city's expanding wellness options.
How we reported this
Malad launched its third parkrun route on July 4 at the open grounds behind Mindspace Business Park in Malad West, drawing 312 participants for the inaugural 5-kilometre run.
The addition comes as residents seek consistent outdoor exercise after a year of variable weather patterns that limited access to indoor gyms across the suburb. Local groups have tracked a steady rise in morning park use since early 2025, with more families and office workers joining group runs on weekends to maintain regular movement habits.
The new Mindspace course starts at 7:30 a.m. every Saturday and follows a flat loop along the service road parallel to Malad Link Road before circling back through the tree-lined perimeter. A second established option operates at Dahanukar Wadi Garden in Malad East, where the Malad Runners Club has hosted events since March 2025 on the open fields near Kurar Village. Both locations provide marked paths, water stations and post-run coffee at nearby stalls on S.V. Road.
Route details and access
Dahanukar Wadi Garden sits two minutes from Malad East railway station and charges no entry fee for the run itself, though participants register in advance through the Parkrun India app. The Mindspace route offers shaded sections under the business park's boundary trees and connects directly to the Oshiwara River walkway for those who extend their distance after the timed segment. Runners report average completion times between 28 and 45 minutes, with volunteers recording results on site each week.
Numbers and next steps
Official Parkrun India figures show 1,847 total finishes recorded across Malad events through June 2026, with the average weekly turnout at 287 people. Registration remains free, though a suggested 150-rupee donation supports timing equipment and volunteer kits. New participants can arrive 15 minutes early at either venue for a quick briefing and should bring a printed barcode from the app. Those with existing injuries are advised to consult a local medical professional before starting any new running program. The next events run this Saturday at both sites, with the Mindspace group meeting at Gate 3 and Dahanukar Wadi at the central lawn entrance.