Running is Ashok Nath's only passion

Ashok Nath has been a runner all his life. Only now, he is doing it professionally. He is now in the country’s business capital to participate in the ninth edition of the Mumbai marathon to take place today.
For this run, he says he has been practising very hard and is excited to be part of it. Ashok has also been competing in many prestigious marathons around the world, most notably, the Boston Marathon, for which he has run thrice.
“I have always been into fitness and started running in 1985,” says Ashok, adding that running was just an extension of his fitness regimen before he realized it was something he was very passionate about. “It’s a God-gift and I wanted to utilize it to its full potential,” he adds.
Ashok started running in Deer Park, New Delhi, which later extended to gyms and equipments. “Running is no longer a poor-man’s sport. If you are to take it up professionally, even the slightest change in the type of shoe or t-shirt can go a long way in helping you winning or lose,” says Ashok.
His main grouse though is that Indians are yet to learn to appreciate runners. “Most of us do not have any respect for runners. If a girl is running on the street, she is ogled and leered at. If they see a man running they will think he is mad. What we desperately need in the city is a joggers’ park. Cubbon Park is not enough because they still allow vehicles to pass through it. We can run on the streets but it is harder on the knees. Besides, running amidst nature is visually appealing and has a calming effect,” he says.
The upside of putting on your running shoes are many. According to Ashok, it creates the feel-good factor that most people crave for in this maddening world. This year, Ashok will participate in Boston Marathon in April and New York Marathon in November.