Habit Run: How AI Photos, Videos & Certificates Helped 2,000+ Beginners Celebrate Their First 5K

About Habit Run

Habit Run is a movement designed to help people "Get into the habit of running." Organized by Bhaago India, this monthly 5K event in Bengaluru is strictly for beginners. Unlike competitive marathons, Habit Run focuses on completion and encouragement, boasting a unique 1:7 volunteer-to-runner ratio and a 100% finish rate.

The Challenge: Celebrating the "First Finish"

For a first-time runner, finishing a 5K is a major life milestone. However, the traditional race experience often leaves beginners empty-handed after the run:

• Delayed Photos – Waiting days for photos kills the excitement
• Manual Certificates – Creating and emailing thousands of certificates manually is slow and error-prone
• Static Memories – Photos alone often fail to capture the energy and emotion of crossing the finish line for the first time

The Solution: A Complete "Finisher Suite"

Habit Run deployed the full 9Pic AI ecosystem to treat every beginner like a pro athlete.

1. Instant Photo Discovery (9Pic FaceFind + BibTrack)

Runners scan a QR code and can either upload a selfie or search by their BIB number. Both methods deliver instant access to their personalized gallery. No app installation required. This dual-search approach removes friction for first-timers who are hesitant to download new apps.

2. Auto-Generated Certificates (9Pic Certify)

The moment a runner finishes, their official time is synced. 9Pic Certify automatically generates a branded Finisher Certificate including their name, time, and pace.

Result: 100% of runners receive their certificate instantly on their phone.

3. AI Highlight Reels (9Pic Flow)

To make the achievement shareable on Instagram Reels, 9Pic Flow automatically stitches together the runner's best photos and short video clips into a high-energy, branded video set to music.

Result: Participants share dynamic video content that drives higher engagement than static images.

The Participant Experience

The process was designed to be invisible and instant:

1. Run – Participant crosses the finish line
2. Scan – Scans a QR code on the result standee
3. Celebrate – Instantly downloads a personalized dashboard containing High-Res Photos, an official Finisher Certificate, and a shareable Video Reel

"Our goal is to make every beginner feel like a champion. With 9Pic, we don't just give them a medal; we give them a complete digital package—photos, videos, and certificates—before they've even caught their breath. It turns a simple 5K into a lifelong memory."

Key Results

• Instant Gratification – All assets (Photos, Video, Certificate) available immediately post-race
• Viral Sharing – 9Pic Flow videos led to a significant spike in Instagram Stories and Reels mentions
• Operational Efficiency – Zero manual work required to design or email certificates

Products Used

• 9Pic FaceFind – Selfie-based photo search
• 9Pic BibTrack – BIB number recognition
• 9Pic Certify – Automated finisher certificates
• 9Pic Flow – AI-generated video reels

Learn more about Habit Run →