"We had organised our first run at the same Leisure Valley Park in Sector 29. We have set up 40 running groups and plan to increase the number to 1000."

Verghese said the Sunday run focused on the reduction of carbon footprints "and exploring the usage of solar power for our homes and offices, to reduce trash and compost and to reduce the usage of plastic, especially bags".

All the runners were handed recycled paper bags to collect two pieces of plastic/garbage along the run and exchange it for their info pack at the finish line.

Sachin Bhatia, the chief executive officer of MakeMyTrip.com, who has been participating in the runs, said such events not only motivated the people to wake up early and run for healthy cause, they also added value to the environmental causes.

"Besides, in events like these the whole family can come together and have fun," he said.

Ajay Pandita, a senior executive with a well-known real estate firm and Sector 14 resident, said he had been participating in these runs with his parents, wife and two daughters for quite some time.

"My daughters - one is six, the elder one is 11-year-old - participated in the 5-km long run. I was able to explain to them the benefits of a clean environment."

Verghese said he was going to take the runs to other cities also.

"We have already organised one run in Chandigarh and are now moving to Noida, Jaipur and Shimla," he said.

"Running helps unleash your potential as you shed your inhibitions and mental barriers one by one," he said,