Kolkata : At nearly 60 years old, Kolkata’s Aruna Bhaskar is proving that age is no barrier to ambition and endurance. A special educator with Breaking Through Dyslexia, she transformed herself from a non-runner at 53 into a marathon and ultra-marathon finisher within six years, challenging widespread ageism one race at a time.
Aruna’s journey began when her husband introduced her to the Jayanagar Jaguars running group in 2019. Initially only able to walk and jog short distances, she ambitiously signed up for a 10km run despite never having run even 100 meters before. Within months of training, she completed her first 10km race in a respectable time of one hour and 16 minutes—without stopping to walk once.
The momentum only grew. By early 2020, Aruna completed her first half marathon. Despite pandemic interruptions, her training persisted with virtual sessions that kept her conditioned and motivated. In 2023, she ran the prestigious Tata Mumbai Marathon and even completed the Procam Slam, a grueling circuit of four major Indian distance races spanning 10km to full marathon distances in Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Delhi.
In 2025, Aruna undertook perhaps her greatest challenge yet: a 50km Tata Ultra Marathon in Lonavala. To prepare for the hilly terrain, she adapted to running monotonous loops on Kolkata flyovers to simulate elevation—testament to her discipline and mental strength. Crossing the ultra marathon finish line was less about speed and more about sheer endurance and willpower.
Her daily routine is rigorous. On weekdays, she runs between 10 and 16 km before heading into her role as an educator. Saturdays are reserved for long runs exceeding three hours, while strength conditioning punctuates her weekly regimen. She trains alongside her husband, racing only in events they can both compete in, balancing family responsibilities with a fierce dedication to fitness.
Running has had a transformative effect on Aruna’s life. She feels fitter now than in her 30s and inspires many, including her students who recognize her at races. She admires Bengaluru’s 85-year-old runner YSR Kumar as a role model for longevity in the sport and aims to keep pushing her limits.
Aruna Bhaskar’s story goes beyond marathons. It is a powerful reminder that discipline, passion, and resilience can break societal expectations and redefine what’s possible at any age. Her journey embodies the spirit that “it’s never too late to start,” inspiring many to lace up and chase their own dreams.
This spirited educator’s race is not merely against the clock but towards a future where ageism finds no ground to stand.
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