Every Mile Matters: Part 1

  •   Sat, Apr 11 2026
  •   By Revati Shendure

April 11, 2026

“One day you decide to start running,

then you look back and everything has changed,

you begin for a reason to get fit and to get faster,

to escape from something or someone or some part of yourself.

eventually running goes from a place of torture to a place of peace,

and what once felt like a pain now feels like a freedom” 

Whenever I read these lines, I feel they resonate deeply with every runner. Each line reflects the spirit, struggle, and passion that define the running community.

When I attend running events, I don’t just see participants, I hear countless stories of grit, determination, and personal transformation. Every runner carries a unique journey: some run to overcome health challenges, some to find mental peace, and others to push their limits beyond what they once thought possible. I truly believe that every runner has a story to tell—a story of how their journey began, what keeps them going, and how running has shaped their life.

With busy work schedules, sedentary lifestyles, and increasing dependence on instant food, adverse health effects have become common. To overcome these challenges, engaging in physical activities is essential. Practices like yoga, sports activities, gym workouts, or adventure activities such as hiking and trekking help keep us active and healthy.

One such popular activity is running. It has gained immense response among fitness enthusiasts due to its numerous health benefits. When combined with proper strength training, running improves cardiovascular health, endurance, and mental well-being. However, like any sport, it also comes with the risk of injuries if not practiced correctly. Importantly, the benefits of running are not just physical but psychological as well—it helps reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health.

Now, let’s explore some interesting stories behind running events.

Marathon – The Origin Story

We often hear about marathons happening in different places, but have you ever wondered why it is called a “marathon”?

The story dates to 490 BC during the Battle of Marathon, fought between Athens and Persia. After the Athenian victory, a messenger named Pheidippides is said to have run approximately 40 km from Marathon to Athens to deliver the news. According to legend, he collapsed and died immediately after announcing the victory. The modern marathon is inspired by this heroic run.

Marathon in the Modern Olympics

The men’s marathon was introduced in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Although Pheidippides’ run was about 40 km, the modern marathon distance is 42.195 km.

Why the extra distance? During the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, organizers decided the race would start at Windsor Castle and finish in front of the royal box at White City Stadium. This specific route measured 42.195 km. Later, in 1921, the International Amateur Athletic Federation officially standardized this distance.

Women in Marathons

The inclusion of women in marathons was not easy—it took nearly 90 years after the introduction of the men’s marathon. The women’s marathon was finally included in the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles.

In that historic race, Joan Benoit from the USA won gold with a time of 2:24:52.

Even before this, in 1967, Kathrine Switzer made history by officially registering for the Boston Marathon under the name “K.V. Switzer.” During the race, officials attempted to remove her by snatching her bib number, but she courageously completed the race, paving the way for future female athletes.

Marathon in Space

Yes, even space has witnessed a marathon! In 2007, during the Boston Marathon, Sunita Williams ran the race on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station, completing it in 4 hours and 24 minutes whereas Tim Peake the first man to complete space marathon.

Modern Records

Today, marathon records continue to push human limits.

  • Ruth Chepng'etich has set an incredible women’s marathon time of 2:09:56.
  • Kelvin Kiptum recorded a remarkable men’s time of 2:00:35.
  • Indian male Marathon record by Shivnath Singh clocking time of 2:12:00.
  • Indian female Marathon record by O.P. Jaisha time of 2:34:43.
  • When it comes to running, it is worth mentioning legendary Indian sprinters Milkha Singh, popularly known as the “Flying Sikh,” and P. T. Usha, the “Golden Girl,” who clinched numerous gold medals at the Asian and Commonwealth Games.
  • While celebrating these remarkable achievements, we must not forget the records from our own Tulunadu soil. A unique milestone was set in the traditional Kambala (buffalo race), showcasing the region’s rich sporting heritage.
  • Adding to this pride, a rising star, Dr. Karthik Kerkera—an orthopedic surgeon based in Mumbai with roots in Tulunadu—has been setting impressive records in recent marathons held in Mumbai and Delhi.

 

 

To be Continued…..

 

 
By Revati Shendure
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Comment on this article

  • Anupama Rao, Mangalore

    Sat, Apr 11 2026

    Nicely written article on running..hope many gets inspired to start their running journey after reading this article.

  • Prathvi Shetty, Mangaluru

    Sat, Apr 11 2026

    Beautiful penned article, giving a nice perspective of a runner as well as the history of marathon.

  • Ambigabathi, Chennai , Tamilnadu

    Sat, Apr 11 2026

    Very nicely as well as beautifully written the story about the Running as well as Marathon. Thank you madam and wish you write such a beautiful real incident i future in the future also.


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