Nivedita Samanta

About Nivedita Samanta

I am a certified Marathon Running Coach©, an EXOS Performance Specialist, 10-time (so far) marathoner and a Strategic Lead & Coach at adidas Runners India. In 2017, I launched FitRabbits Custom Coaching to inspire and help people to discover their ultimate fittest selves through running, fitness and well-being. Since, FitRabbits has enabled nearly 120 people directly to conquer their running (5km to 100 miles) and fitness goals through completely customised programming. Secondly, I am passionate about developing running & fitness communities. Since 2017, I have been working with adidas India to develop and spearhead community programming as a Coach with adidas Runners. Over time, I have worked on some amazing projects like Women\'s Brigade, Speed Squad and The Speed Project and collaborations with other brands, communities & races across our 3 cities in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in India. In 2022, I worked with adidas runners global as the Strategic Lead for the With Women We Run project and subsequently was part of the global women\'s squad in 2023. I am a highly skilled professional with achievements across diverse business, education and non-profit settings globally. In 2016, I quit my full-time role leading strategy, projects and communications with the Vodafone Foundation in India to further pursue my passion as a Running Coach. Prior to Vodafone, I headed communications & partnerships for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in India. With experience in strategy development, project management, communications, and partnership building, I have efficiently spearheaded several dynamic projects and campaigns simultaneously. Possessing exceptional interpersonal, leadership, research and organizational skills, I believe that building relationships with all stakeholders is key to success. I graduated with distinction in B.A. Economics from the University at Albany, New York in 2009 and am an alumnus of the Welham Girls School, Dehradun. I discovered my love for running in 1998. As a passionate endurance runner, I have run ten (so far) marathons in Boston, Berlin, Chicago, Valencia, Mumbai, New Delhi, Ladakh and several half marathon distances across India, Europe & the USA. As a competitive runner, I continuously win several races in my age category. My personal best in the marathon distance is 3 hour 20 minutes (42.2km). Sport & adventure is in my DNA and I love cooking and am a mother to two dogs - Po and Hela.

Experience

1. Coach Strategic Lead - Adidas Runners India

   adidas

   Jan 2017 — Present · IN

   Working closely with adidas India Marketing team & relevant agencies to develop & execute short and long term strategies for a diverse and engaged local running community across 3 cities (Delhi, Mumbai & Bengaluru) in India. Planning and executing events in line with the global campaigns and guidelines with a diverse team of individuals (Captains, Coaches and crew runners), impacting over people. Curated some exciting experiences for runners and worked on amazing projects such as the Women\'s Brigade, Speed Squads, podium takeover at local races, first-time runners programming, destination runs & much more- Strategic Lead - adidas Runners Global for the With Women We Run project in 2022- Part of the global women\'s squad in 2023- Led a team of amateur runners in The Speed Project DIY in 2021 - came #5th globally

Education

• Convent of Jesus & Mary, Waverley

  Class 10, Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching

  1999 — 2002

• Welham Girls' School

  High School, Commerce

  2002 — 2004

• University at Albany

  BA, Economics, Business

  2007 — 2009

• Delhi University

  BA, Economics, Mathematics

  2004 — 2007