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Sewa members bring impact and inspiration to Houston Marathon
The community members also raised funds and supported runners at the marathon.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 16, Jan 2026
- 16:32 EST
- 146
L-R: Randeep Suneja; Swatantra Jain with his grandkids / Courtesy: Sewa International
Sewa International recognized two Indian American community members for bringing impact and inspiration to the Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon on Jan. 11 through their leadership, service, and commitment to the cause.
Houston-based community members Randeep Suneja and Swatantra Jain were acknowledged for their individual efforts and fundraising outcomes during the city’s largest sporting event.
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Sewa International volunteers and community members at the Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon / Courtesy: Sewa InternationalA physician, Suneja completed his 16th half marathon, recording a finish time of 2:56:57 and improving his performance by 23 minutes compared with the previous year. Sewa said he was supported by family members positioned along the course to assist with hydration needs.
As part of Sewa’s 'Run for a Reason' charity initiative, Suneja raised US$6,700 for the organization, which Sewa described as a record contribution under the program. Suneja said he was grateful for encouragement from family, colleagues, patients, and his trainer.
Jain achieved a personal milestone by completing his first marathon event at the age of 78. Sewa said Jain initially planned to run a shorter distance but decided mid-race to complete the half marathon after receiving encouragement from family members.
He later said he plans to return for future races. Jain also raised funds for Sewa through the ‘Run for a Reason’ program.
Sewa was represented at the event by over 120 runners, who took part in the marathon events and completed their respective races.
In addition, Sewa volunteers staffed the Mile 11.5 half marathon refueling station, assisting more than 15,000 runners with water and sports drinks and completing cleanup operations later in the morning.
The organization also operated a breakfast booth near the George R. Brown Convention Center, providing tea and food for runners and volunteers. Sewa said volunteers reported early in the morning to support race operations.
The Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon drew about 30,000 runners, 7,000 volunteers, and an estimated 250,000 spectators, with participants representing all 50 U.S. states and 118 countries. Women accounted for 51 percent of half marathon runners, according to event data cited by Sewa.
Sewa breakfast booth at the Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon / Courtesy: Sewa InternationalSewa said this marked its fourth year of participation in the Houston Marathon and its second year as an 'Elite Charity' under the 'Run for a Reason' program.
The organization thanked volunteers, donors, partners, and marathon organizers for supporting its involvement and encouraged community members to participate in future events.
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