HOUSTON, TX: Sewa International volunteers and runners had an incredible experience at the Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon on Sunday, January 11, 2026—an event that showcased the very best of Houston’s spirit and community. Among Sewa’s participants, two Houston community leaders stood out for the inspiration they brought to the course and for the impact they created for Sewa International: Dr. Randeep Suneja and Mr. Swatantra Jain.
Dr. Suneja, a practicing cardiologist with 33 years of service, completed his sixteenth half-marathon in 2:56:57, which translates to a pace of 13:30 per mile. He improved his finish time by 23 minutes compared to last year, returning close to the strong benchmark he has maintained over the past two decades. He attributes this significant enhancement in his time to a strict low-carb diet and a consistent exercise regimen, resulting in a loss of 20 pounds in the past year. Along the course, his children, Nikhil and Divya, cheered him and helped ensure he stayed replenished as he is highly allergic to the color in Gatorade, which is served on the course, necessitating that he gets his own hydration. As part of Sewa’s Run for a Reason program, he also raised a record $6,700—made possible by generous donors.
Equally inspiring was Mr. Swatantra Jain’s run. A well-known entrepreneur, community leader, and dedicated philanthropist, he completed his very first marathon at the age of 78, proving that age is just a number. He began the day expecting to run only a few miles, but when his grandchildren cheered him on at Mile 6, he made a decision: why not go all the way to 13.1 miles? With grit, determination, and a strong will, he pushed through to the finish line. He called it one of his most meaningful accomplishments and shared his intent to return next year—fully prepared. His dedication towards spirituality and meditation provided the fuel needed to complete. He too participated in Run for a Reason, raising funds for Sewa while achieving this personal milestone.
Their journeys—one built on years of endurance and discipline, the other sparked by family encouragement and sheer determination—reflect a shared belief: service and purpose can be pursued at any stage of life. Together, they inspired many in the community through their examples of commitment, philanthropy, and perseverance.
Sewa’s broader presence at the marathon amplified that spirit: 120+ Sewa runners took the course starting at 6:30 AM. Sewa volunteers reported by 6:30 AM at the Mile 11.5 Half Marathon Refueling Station, supporting 15,000+ runners with water and Gatorade and completing cleanup by 11:30 AM. Sewa also hosted a breakfast booth near the GRB Convention Center, serving hot tea and breakfast for runners and volunteers.
The Chevron & Aramco Houston Marathon drew 30,000 runners, 7,000 volunteers, and an estimated 250,000 spectators, with participants from all 50 U.S. states and 118 countries—and with women making up 51% of Half Marathon runners.
This was the fourth year of Sewa’s engagement in the biggest sporting extravaganza of Houston. This is also the second year of Sewa being an Elite Charity, supported by the Marathon Committee’s “Run for A Reason” program. Nikhil Jain, president of the Houston Chapter of Sewa International, said, “Our heartfelt thanks to volunteers, runners, donors, partners, and the Chevron Houston Marathon organizers for making this experience—and its impact—possible. It is community spirit, commitment, and deep engagement with community leaders that we cherish in Sewa.”
About Sewa International
Sewa International, a leading Hindu faith-based Indian American nonprofit organization with 43 Chapters in twenty-five US States, has extensive experience in disaster rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations, having responded to more than 25 disasters in the US and abroad.
Among its accolades, Sewa International has been recognized by Charity Navigator – the premier nonprofit rating agency – as the number five among the “10 Highly Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions”. Sewa International has, for the past three years, continuously scored the topmost-rated 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator and has earned perfect scores for Financial Health, Accountability & Transparency.
For more information on Sewa International Houston and its activities, please visit http://www.sewausa.org/houston
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