Unlikely athlete

This gritty grandma runs marathons to fund the treatment of her husband who is a heart patient

As Lata Kare gets ready at the starting line, her stance is surprisingly similar to that of a professional athlete. Surprising because Lata is no professional marathon runner but a 63-year-old grandmom from the village of Jalochi, about six km from Baramati in Maharashtra. Nevertheless, she has bagged the top prize in the senior citizens’ category three times, at the Sharad Marathon.

She has become a recognisable face at this sporting event, not just because she is a strong contender but also because of her running wear/gear. She runs barefoot, clad in a traditional nauvari sari, her veil drawn over her grey hair. Unlike her competitors, she doesn’t run for fun or fame but for much-needed cash.

It was in 2013 that she first participated in the marathon. “My neighbours had gone to Baramati for a function and they told me about the competition and that there is money to be won. That’s how I took part,” says Lata.

She explains why she is desperate for the prize money: “My husband is a heart patient and he is old too (67). I have to buy medicines for his blood pressure problem as well Roz majuri kartat, shetat kaam karun paishe miltey, pan paishe purat nay (We work hard every day but the money is not enough).” Lata lives with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandson and they all work in the farms.

On January 3, her husband dropped her at the venue in his bicycle and she ran 5 km, pitted against some 300 people in her category. Later, the organisers of the marathon dropped her home in their car.

Lata doesn’t worry much about diet or fitness. “I do walk to the fields every day, but apart from that, I have no exercise regime. My diet is the usual puri bhaji, twice a day,” she says.

She reveals that the younger generation may take over from her. “I have been participating in the Sharad Marathon for three years and I am not sure I will do it again. This year, I got really tired after running due to my age. My son and daughter-in-law will now take it forward,” Lata says.