Running against age
Oldest runners in Mumbai Marathon target to finish full marathon in cut off time, while many run for a cause.
Bylahalli Janardan, a 86 years old cyclist, trekker, and runner is the oldest runner in the men’s category in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2019. He is all prepared to finish his 16th full marathon within the cut off time.
“I am participating in Mumbai marathon from the beginning. It will be my 10th year in Mumbai full marathon. It would have been my 11th, but in 2015 I ran in Dubai marathon. It will be my 16th overall full marathon,” Janardan said.
He has participated in various races including 62 half marathons, 15 marathons, and some ultra-marathons. He goes for trekking where he climbed the Himalayas and Mount Kailash as well. He has been cycling since 1977, but life changed for him when he was diagnosed with epilepsy.
“I was doing cycling and trekking, later I started running for confidence. It all started with Mediterranean marathon participation for me in 2000 and has now become part of me,” he added.
Janardan undertakes numerous challenges like stair climbing including one at Mumbai’s Kohinoor Square where he climbed 52 stories. “My target is to finish within the cut off time which will be six and half hours. I have done it in the past and also finished a marathon in five hours and 50 seconds,” Janardan said.
“I love to run in Mumbai as there are hardly any U-turns on the route and there are many people cheering loudly,” he added.
Kmoin Wahlang, a 71-year-old marathoner from Meghalaya, is the oldest women participant in the 42K run. She has previously participated in various runs in Shillong itself.