Sport has been an integral part of our lives for centuries. Many of us enjoy running, cycling or swimming as a way to keep ourselves fit and healthy. Yet for Subi Nanayakkara, running isn’t just about fitness. It’s a way to campaign for a cause. For Nanayakkara, running is not just an exercise but a way of life. 

“I started running back in 2015 when I was diagnosed with a physical illness,” she told The Daily Morning Brunch. “I realised that I needed to get myself up and not let it affect my mental health so I decided to take up running.”

Through running, Subi has found a sense of purpose and achievement.

“I’ve run from Ella to Balangoda, which is 80km and also from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy,” she said. “I always try to push myself to be the best and the healthiest version of myself, and it is not always easy.” Nanayakkara’s resilience and passion for running for a good cause have made her not just a great athlete but a leader.

Recently, Subi completed a landmark run in aid of supporting victims of domestic violence. “I’ve been running and raising money for years now. “I ran 21km, which is the distance of half a marathon, each day for 21 days to raise funds for the vital work that Women in Need (WIN) does.” 

WIN is a local, non-profit and non-governmental organisation that assists women who have experienced or are vulnerable to all forms of violence.  Subi’s mission to raise money for WIN stems back to her work she used to do back in the UK, as well as her drive to help every woman feel safe.

“I used to help a lot of women who have suffered sexual violence back in the UK,” she said. “So I am really passionate about bringing that work here to the shores of my home country. I want to help our women feel safe and confident in whatever they do.” As she completed her run for WIN last week,  she is now ready to look to the future with hope and optimism.

Running for a cause

While running has always been something that Nanayakkara is passionate about, she uses that passion to fuel her desire to give back to her country.

“After living in the United Kingdom, I moved back to Sri Lanka four years ago because I wanted to give back to my country,” she said. “Sri Lanka is a wonderful place which I am so grateful to call home so I would really love to raise money and awareness for causes that would benefit the country.”

She had previously run to raise funds to improve the lives of children in this country and to provide them with better physical and mental health.

“I raised money to help kids combat drug addiction in several parts of the country,” she said. “Through the money we raised, we were able to provide sports facilities to several schools, which would help young people take their mind of any problems they may have and also introduce them to a healthy way of coping,” 

Along with being a passionate runner, Nanayakkara balances a full-time job along with parenting two kids. 

“I definitely have a lot going on,” she said. “Which is why I am so lucky to have an incredible support system consisting of my husband and my friends. They always cheer me on and encourage me even when I feel like giving up.”

Running across the country

Sri Lanka is a country filled with scenic locations, tropical beaches and captivating mountains. Its beauty and hospitality has captivated both local and foreign travellers alike. Yet like most countries, Sri Lanka is filled with both the good and the  bad.

“Running in places like Sigiriya and Haputhale was an absolutely amazing experience,” she said. “Everyone was so nice and helpful, and I was able to run in peace however, in other parts of the country, I was subjected to various forms of sexual harassment.”

Nanayakkara said that while she was able to observe and appreciate Sri Lanka’s historic, cultural and natural beauties, several instances she faced along the way have made her feel unsafe and uncomfortable. 

“Another thing I noticed as a runner is that we have a lot of stray dogs on our streets,” she said. “I would start running, and they would often start barking and sometimes even start chasing me. We also face a lot of unsafe and reckless driving by bus drivers, making us feel very unsafe.”

However, despite all the challenges and discomfort, she refuses to give up running and campaigning for causes that she is passionate about. 

“I will continue to run and raise funds for causes that are close to my heart,” she said. “I’ve been running for a decade and it has changed my life in unimaginable ways. So I’m going to continue it,”

Running and the future

Racing is not just a pastime for Nanayakkara; it is her purpose.  Her next race, which is to be held in 2026, would see her running the Arctic Marathon in sub-zero temperatures.

“There is a lot of preparation that needs to be done, but I’m so excited,” she said. “I get to constantly push myself and be better. I also get to learn better endurance and survival skills.”

In the midst of her upcoming adventures, Nanayakkara said she hasn’t forgotten her primary goal of helping people, and she will continue to run for causes that would not only satisfy her but also benefit the entire nation.