76-year-old runs marathons to prove age is no bar to fitness

Bhubaneswar: At 76, Dukhishyam Padhy refuses to slow down. While most people of his age are content with morning walks, the Odisha veteran keeps chasing finish lines across the country, clocking full marathons year after year.

After a decade of pounding pavements, the indefatigable senior continues to turn up at starting lines — not for medals, but for the sheer joy of proving that age was never his rival. His message is loud and clear: Stay fit.


That belief guided Padhy once again at the Tata Mumbai Marathon on Jan 18, where he completed the 42.195 km full marathon in 5 hours, 21 minutes and 48 seconds, finishing second in his age category.

The feat earned him a medal, certificate and cash prize, repeating his podium finish from last year at what is considered India’s most prestigious marathon event. “People ask me why I still run full marathons at this age,” said Padhy, adding that running keeps him healthy, positive and alive. “As long as my body allows, I will keep running,” he said.

Born on June 25, 1949, and a lifelong resident of Odisha, Padhy took up competitive running only after retiring as a travel consultant at the age of 66. His first race was the Tata Steel Bhubaneswar Half Marathon in Feb 2016, a moment he describes as life-changing.

“I never imagined that one race would define my post-retirement life. I started slowly, listened to my body and stayed disciplined. I already participated in marathons held in over 20 states of India. My aim is to cover the whole country,” he said.

In less than a decade, Padhy went on to complete 135 race events across 24 states, running full marathons, half marathons and 10 km races, and earning 42 podium finishes. Yet, he insists accolades are not his real goal.

“Medals are a bonus. My real mission is to show people that fitness has no age limit. You don’t have to be young to start — you just have to start,” said Padhy, who currently stays in Bhubaneswar with his wife.

Padhy follows a strict routine of regular practice, a balanced diet and adequate rest, and believes consistency is the key. “I am not extraordinary. I just run every day, take care of my health and stay mentally strong. If I can do this at 76, anyone can,” he said.