Aiming for something is easier when you have someone to look up to. Running a marathon is a dream where you want to learn from others’ experiences. We have many passionate runners who achieved what nobody could do and became inspirations for many. Marathons and half marathons are being held for many causes. Pankh MP Half Marathon is an initiative to give wings to the under-19 sports achievers of MP and give their dreams a staircase to fulfilment. Registering in the half marathon will give you an opportunity to challenge yourself and find yourself differently on the race track. Moving on, let us now talk about the great Indian marathoners and learn from their journey to prepare you for upcoming marathons in Bhopal.

Lalita Babar never really considered living independently or pursuing her dreams because she was raised in a remote village in Maharashtra known for its strict religious practices. As a result, most girls in her village would get married before they turned 18. On the other hand, Lalita had a single goal in mind, and she was fortunate enough to receive encouragement and support from both of her parents in her pursuit of that goal. This sports person, born and raised in the Mohi Village of Satara, first came to public attention in 2005 when she competed in the Under-20 National Championship in Pune. The 2015 Marathon was the event in which she posted her best times. Her overall time was 2:38:21. One of her few notable achievements is the bronze medal that she won in the 3000m steeple chase competition at the Asian Games in 2014, which was held in Korea. The trip was challenging. The challenges continued to appear nonstop throughout the process. But once your heart sets its sights on something, it will not let go of it. Lalita has proven to be an unstoppable force and a genuine source of motivation for all women.

His Twitter feed reveals that he is outdoorsy and enjoys running and trees. Yes, many people have reported seeing him go for runs on Marine Drive in Mumbai daily. As part of Greenathon in 2012, he ran 1,500 kilometres in thirty days, earning him the title Limca Record holder. In addition to being a model, he has also worked as an actor and director. He is also responsible for getting one million women in India to start running by organising the popular Pinkathon series of races. Those individuals who would like to incorporate running into their daily routines will find advice from an experienced runner very helpful. The clothing worn while running ought to be comfortable. Milind Soman is seen jogging while wearing a pair of shorts, a T-shirt, and something tied around his head that resembles a gamosa. Milind offers a thoughtful recommendation regarding footwear, saying, "on my feet, I wear Vibrams if it rains and Luna's if it is dry." Milind Soman began the Unity Run 2022, a journey that took him from Jhansi to Red Fort and covered a total distance of 450 kilometres.

Another man whose age is not a barrier for him when it comes to running marathons is Ashish Roy, who follows closely on the heels of Fauja Singh. Ashish Roy competed in the Washington Navy Air Force Half Marathon, his 23rd half marathon and his 138th marathon. The race consisted of a 13.1-mile run. The fact that Roy, at the ripe old age of 82, was easily the oldest participant in the event did not deter him from successfully completing the full length of the race, clocking a time that was close to 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 40 seconds. In order to demonstrate to the world that there is no age at which it is too late to begin pursuing a passion for running, Roy started competing in marathons when he was 52. By the time he turned 75 years old, he had already participated in an incredible 82 races. In January 2010, he finished his 100th marathon. He set this record in his lifetime. In 2013, Roy completed his 115th marathon in Mumbai. He had previously served as a wing commander in the Indian Air Force and retired in 2013. In addition, he is the author of a book called "The Joy of Running." This physician-turned-cardiologist shared his story about how running a marathon brought about a transformation in his life. He said, "For 21 years, I served my country in the armed because I had a short temper; many of my coworkers were unhappy with that; I did not discover the joys of running marathons much later in life. But it made me feel better overall, and it caused a change in my behaviour.”

When a shell exploded nearby Major D. P. Singh during the Kargil conflict, causing him to lose his right leg, life appeared to come to a halt for him. He accepted the challenges that life threw at him and, like a phoenix, rose from the ashes to become the best blade marathon runner in India. It took Singh ten arduous and excruciating years to recover from the crippling injury he sustained. However, he did not abandon all hope. After having the prosthetic blade attached to his amputated leg, he immediately started preparing for and participating in marathons. Since then, this fiery man has competed in every edition of the Delhi half marathon, clocking a commendable 2 hours and 40 minutes during the competition. Since then, there has been no turning back for him; he has never looked back. Because of his upbeat attitude and unwavering commitment, Singh remains an example of perseverance and inspiration for athletes all over the country and the world. He has full faith in his ability to complete this task. "When I was injured, I received blood from countless people of various castes, creeds, and states" Because I have Indian blood flowing through my veins, I feel I can do anything.

When it came to long-distance running in India, Sudha Singh was the undisputed monarch before Lalita Babar came along and shattered the previous national record in the 3000 m steeplechase event. Lalita Babar broke the record she had previously held. Singh is still considered one of the best female athletes in the country, despite the fact that she no longer holds the national record for her event. Her many accomplishments include, but are not limited to, winning a gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games, which were held in Guangzhou, China; winning a silver medal at the 2009 and 2011 Asian Championships; and representing India in the 3000 m steeplechase event at the 2012 Olympics in London; among her many other achievements, these are among the most noteworthy. Singh also mentioned that one of her goals is establishing a training centre in Rae Bareli for female long-distance runners. A fantasy that she has been cultivating ever since she was a young girl living in the athletics hostel in Lucknow. "Without a doubt, I will be working on this project after I retire from the sport; however, before that, winning a medal at the Commonwealth Games is my dream because, like others, I want to finish my career on a high note," said Singh.

It is just about making up your mind, and there is nothing that you cannot achieve. Passion and fuelled determination are everything you need to work hard towards your goal. All the runners mentioned above strived hard to be where they are right now, and you can do it, too, if you keep faith in your hard work. Pankh MP Half Marathon26 Feb 2023 TT Nagar Stadium Contact - 942 582 7903 Email - [email protected] Instagram - mp.marathon Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pankhmarathon/