{"id":11762,"date":"2025-08-08T16:50:21","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T11:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/?p=11762"},"modified":"2025-08-08T16:51:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T11:21:25","slug":"why-we-lace-up-the-story-behind-salesforce-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.salesforce.com\/in\/news\/stories\/why-we-lace-up-the-story-behind-salesforce-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Why We Lace Up: The Story Behind Salesforce Run"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every step counts when taken with purpose. For Salesforce Run, that story is about turning movement into meaning. What began as a post-pandemic idea to bring people together for wellbeing and purpose has grown into a South Asia-wide movement uniting employees, families, customers, partners and the Trailblazer Community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To delve into the story behind this flagship initiative, we spoke with Sanket Atal<\/a>, Managing Director – South Asia Operations and Technology, Salesforce <\/strong>about what fuels Salesforce Run, its evolution over the years, and why this year\u2019s edition is set to be its most impactful yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q1. This is the 4th edition of Salesforce Run in India. Can you take us back to where it all began? What was the vision behind launching it?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Salesforce Run began with a simple question: How could we bring people together not just for fitness, but for a greater purpose? In 2022, with people beginning to gather and collaborate again, we created a space where they could reconnect, recharge and feel part of something bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That moment presented an opportunity to channel the collective energy of our workforce towards driving social change. The vision was clear: to build a platform that promotes wellbeing while contributing to something meaningful, and in the process, create a positive and lasting impact on the communities around us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q2. This initiative supports nonprofits in child education and sustainability. How do you choose the focus areas each year, and what kind of partnerships have been key?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Our efforts are aligned with Salesforce’s broader 1-1-1 model<\/a>, which commits 1% of our equity, product, and employee time to nonprofit organisations. The focus areas are chosen by listening closely to the needs of the communities we serve and to the passions of our people. Education and nature & sustainability<\/a> have consistently emerged as priorities because they align with our long-term vision and values, particularly our commitment to Sustainability. In 2024<\/a>, Salesforce Run brought together 5,800 runners across five cities, covering 449,000 kilometres, contributing 71,000 volunteer hours, and raising INR 2 Crores. The funds are enabling 10,000 high school girls to explore career opportunities with the Antarang Foundation <\/a>and supporting the planting of 40,000 saplings in Hyderabad’s new biodiversity park with Green Yatra<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the scope expands further to include entrepreneurship and the AI access gap, with purpose-led partnerships helping turn the collective energy of our community into meaningful, long-term impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Running for impact is about more than crossing the finish line; it’s about making every step count. Recognising that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference, it’s about directing your efforts towards a purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanket Atal, Managing Director – South Asia Operations and Technology, Salesforce <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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