Community Builds Legacy: More Than Just Growth, Its Impact

19-Jan-2025 was the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, and it is a significant milestone in the history of marathons in India as it is the first one and is also recognized globally.

Year after Year the number of participants in this event has increased and it is one of the most coveted events to look forward to.

To honor the dedication of the runners TMM Legends Club has been established to unite all the accomplished runners who have completed the Mumbai Marathon 10 times or more, with all Marathon (42.195 km) or more up to the 20th Edition of TMM.

“The dedication and passion for running truly sets these runners apart. This exclusive group of committed runners have achieved a significant milestone worthy of recognition.

Their continuous participation serves as an inspiration and role model for other runners. These members will become Running Ambassadors in the active living community, giving us their precious feedback on runners' aspirations and suggestions.”

Community: A strong community isn’t just an audience—it’s a network of engaged people who carry your mission forward, ensuring your brand’s impact lasts beyond trends and short-term success.

Legacy: Legacy isn’t just about what you build today—it’s about what continues to thrive even when you step away. Many great brands, movements, and even cultural shifts have survived not because of a single leader, but because a community embraced the vision and made it their own.

Let Me Demystify:

Exclusive Group of Committed Runners - Exclusivity

Achieving Significant Milestone - Recognition

Serves as Inspiration and Role Model - Inspiration

Running Ambassadors in the Active Living Community - Ambassador & Community

Giving Precious Feedback - Value Creation

Suddenly, TMM Legends Club has become something to aspire to; in the future, anyone who completes 10 Full Marathons in the Mumbai Marathon will be inducted into this exclusive club.

From the view of a Member of the TMM Legends Club

I (Vineet) picked up long-distance running at the age of 21 by running 21 km at Mumbai Marathon 2008, as I was fed up with living on the mercy of tablets. I started with a half marathon in 2008, graduated to a Full Marathon in 2013, did Procam Slam in 2023, and graduated to ultramarathon in 2024. Now running to stay healthy has become an essential part of the lifestyle.

"Consistency gets you Legendary status in the Community…”

The commitment and contribution over the years are recognized as to run a full marathon, there needs to be discipline, training, nutrition, & giving up on a lot of social commitments to hit the road at 5 am on a Sunday morning weeks together leading up to the event. Then there is tapering integrating it into the lifestyle.

My Journey of Marathoning can be read here: https://medium.com/@vineatrepeat/my-journey-of-marathoning-cde65130568

The honor & recognition is unparalleled, and just mentioning the fact that being a member of an esteemed club also gives credibility and value to the entire community. 

This also pushes them to improve & do better.

Making us Indebted & Accountable to the entire community.

From the view of a Community Strategy Consultant

Honor has to be earned.

At the moment there are about 200+ members on the Wall of Fame of the “TMM Legends Club”. Everyone who has participated in the marathon has invested resources from their pocket in training, registration, nutrition, gadgets, & professionals to help them prepare for the event.

Recognizing their contribution & value to the community has made them the cheerleaders for life.

How Community Builds Legacy

1. Shared Purpose Becomes Culture

A community isn’t just a group of people—it’s a shared belief system. When people unite around a common purpose, that purpose transforms into culture, which lasts far beyond individual products, services, or leaders.

🔹 Example: The Harley-Davidson motorcycle community isn’t just about bikes—it’s about the culture of freedom and rebellion that riders pass down for generations.

2. People Become Stewards of the Mission

A brand or business alone can only do so much. However, a community empowers its members to take ownership of the mission, ensuring it doesn’t fade when leadership changes.

🔹 Example: Wikipedia thrives because volunteers, not a central company, maintain and grow it.

3. Continuous Growth Through Generational Impact

A well-built community isn’t just about today—it’s about creating something that can be passed down. The best communities create a knowledge base, rituals, and traditions that newcomers can adopt and evolve.

🔹 Example: Universities like Harvard and Oxford aren’t just institutions; they have communities that uphold their prestige for centuries.

4. Value Compounds Over Time

Unlike marketing campaigns, which have an expiration date, community value compounds. Every new member strengthens the network, deepens engagement, and increases opportunities for long-term impact.

🔹 Example: Tesla’s community of early adopters didn’t just buy cars—they became evangelists, helping the company grow without traditional advertising.

How to Build a Legacy-Driven Community

• Align with Purpose: Define why your community exists beyond business goals.

• Create Ownership: Empower members to lead, contribute, and shape the community’s future.

• Invest in Relationships: Build trust and engagement rather than short-term transactions.

• Document & Pass Down Culture: Ensure values, best practices, and traditions are easy to transfer to new members.
  

Final Thought: Legacy is Built Together

A brand alone doesn’t build a legacy—a community does. If your goal is to create lasting impact, focus not just on growth, but on fostering a movement that can stand the test of time.

If you are still wondering if the Community-Led Growth model is right for your organization. Do share your thoughts on hi@vineatrepeat.com