About Us

Like every runner’s story, the journey of Active Holiday Company is made up of blood, sweat, and tears and lots of medals, of course!

The Beginning (2008)

It all began back in 2008. At the time, Gauri was the Regional Director (South Asia & Middle East) for the world's largest coach touring company. Her regular squash opponent, a new entrepreneur, began skipping their playdates. In need of an alternative, Gauri turned to running the perfect anytime, anywhere, and solo-friendly replacement. And she was hooked.

Turning 40

To celebrate her 40th birthday, she ran half a dozen half marathons in as many destinations - including the Dead Sea Ultra in Jordan, the lowest race on Earth. She followed that up by trekking to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain Mt. Everest. That trip became a turning point in her life. Upon returning to her home in Bangalore, she quit her fancy job (yes, with all the fancy perks!) to start Active Holiday Company. And, finally at this tender age she bought herself a hybrid bicycle to replace her depreciated car!

Persistence That Built the Dream

But the long queue of like minded travellers she believed were out there... were nowhere to be found. Struggling to find even a handful of runners for the first few international marathon trips remains a bittersweet memory. Her mantra at the time was simple: if no one signed up for a race tour, she’d run it herself. (Fortunately or unfortunately she never had to!)

Inevitably, the money ran out. Friends stepped in to bail out the loss-making venture. Slowly, very slowly, the kitty of marathon tours, cycling trips, and hiking holidays began to grow as did the travellers joining them. And in a world where start-ups are given 1,000 days to succeed or fold, Active Holiday Company took nearly double that to break even.

Today: Leading the Way

An expansion into the Middle East felt natural, given Gauri's familiarity with the region. Today, Active Holiday Company is the foremost marathon tour operator in South Asia and the Middle East, offering an unmatched selection of running experiences around the world for runners of all abilities and ambitions. A sister brand, Adventure Holiday Company, was set up to offer a wide array of cycling and hiking holidays, particularly in Europe.

Gauri’s experience of over three decades in the travel business, combined with her love for exploring destinations ‘the active way’ makes her the best (wo)man for the top job at Active Holiday Company. Having taken her first road trip when she was just 5 days old, it appears that the bug never left her and she's travelled to over 70 countries (although she claims not to keep count)!

Writer, Jury Member & Industry Contributor

Gauri has also contributed to leading travel publications as a writer and served as a jury member at prestigious travel industry events. Her Memoir, Wise Enough to be Foolish, was published in 2013.