Bhaag India Bhaag: Early Marathoners Who Took The First Steps

Running a marathon is no mean feat, let alone winning it. But thousands of individuals – pros and amateurs – look forward to events such as the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM) eagerly. They plan and train, clearing their schedules for the challenge that lies ahead.

Before the TMM became prominent, Pune was India’s marathon capital. It hosted an international marathon for three decades, with the first dating back to 1983. 

Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, to name a few, also have a history of hosting marathons. In 2022, Lahaul, a district in Himachal Pradesh, organised the country’s first Snow Marathon. 

India’s general history of marathon, however, is much ancient and richer with Pune hosting the first marathon in 1918. It was also the year when the Indian Olympic Association’s first ever meeting was held at the Deccan Gymkhana. Ever since, a national marathon has been organised annually and is seen as a milestone not only in running, but Indian sports overall.

And despite the challenges that marathoners face, it is not only their commitment to get over the finish line that makes this event worthwhile, but also their pledge to inspire others. A marathon sees people of all legal ages take part. In doing so, they tend to encourage the next generations to take up the sport.

Here’s a look at India’s early marathoners.

Shivnath Singh

Half a century after his best years, middle and long distance runner Shivnath Singh is still rated India’s greatest marathon runner. Born in Majharia, Bihar, Singh represented India in two Asian Games and two Olympics, often running with just taped feet and no shoes. In the 1974 Asiad, he took the 5000m gold and 10,000m silver. In marathons, he delivered creditable performances everywhere and ruled in India. His record of 2:12:00, registered in Jalandhar in 1978, still stands. It is the longest standing Indian athletics record.

Surat Singh Mathur

Surat Singh Mathur is known for being independent India’s first Olympic marathon runner to complete a race, a feat which he accomplished after participating in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Chhota Singh was the first to participate, although he dropped out during the 1948 London Olympics. Surat Singh Mathur would go on to participate in the 1953 Nationals (finishing 2nd) as well as the 1954 National Games in Madras, which he won. Post-retirement from the sport, Surat Singh participated in the Olympic torch relay twice.

PD Chaugule

Phadeppa Dareppa Chaugule from Belgaum in Karnataka went down in the history books when he became the first Indian marathoner to represent the country in the Olympics. During the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp, he ran the marathon and finished the race in the 19th position (2:50:42). Initially a wrestler, Chaugule took up running after injuring his arm during one of his wrestling bouts. To honour his contributions to the country, an annual Chaugule Shield Cricket Tournament is organised in Belagavi, Karnataka.

Sunita Godara

One of the women to gain international repute in the marathon community is Dr Sunita Godara. Having won medals in Singapore, Netherlands, Egypt, Japan, Australia, etc., Godara would go on to become the record-holder for most marathon runs by an Indian, clocking 76 full marathons. She would also top the ranks for the most number of international marathon wins by an Indian – 60 full marathons.

Fauja Singh (Honorary Mention)

Fauja Singh is the prime example of ‘it’s never too late to be what you want to be’. Raised in the United States, Singh was part of a Sikh family, who faced prejudices at different stages of life. His story came to light after he was celebrated as India’s 100-year-old marathon runner. He ran his first marathon at the age of 89 years, and as a centenarian, completed a race in 8 hours. His legacy was immortalised when a children’s book ‘Fauja Singh Keeps Going — A True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon’ was released in August 2020 in New York.