Chandigarh: Even after creating history in Mumbai on Jan 17, where 77-year-old Ashis Roy competed in his 100th marathon, the determination to keep running is only growing stronger for this tireless runner.
Unfazed by the toll of time and age, Roy is now all set to run his 101st marathon in Chandigarh on Sunday. At the first Chandigarh Marathon, Roy will be the oldest runner.
"I will run in 101st marathon of my life in Chandigarh on Sunday. I am the only Indian who has so far successfully competed in 100 marathons, 36 in India and 64 in abroad. For the last 10 years, Limca Book of Records is continuously publishing my name," Roy, a Delhi-based cardiologist, told IANS.
He added: "I competed in the first marathon of my life at the age of 52 years in 1984. Although the first attempt was very difficult for me but it gave me a lot of confidence and motivation, and marathons automatically become an integral part of my life."
Besides India, Roy has competed in marathons in nearly 20 countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Russia, Austria, Germany and Pakistan.
"I was a very good sportsman and athlete since my school days and with the aim of continuing sports I joined Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1957. I took retirement in 1978 and started my own private practice. But the idea of competing in marathons struck me in 1984 and then I never looked back," pointed out Roy.
Talking about his daily practice, Roy said: "In 1984, I was running 20 km on weekdays and 32 km on every Sunday. I continued it for 10 years and then reduced my weekdays and Sunday running to 16 and 24 km respectively."
"However for the last five years, I am running 12 km on weekdays and 18 to 20 km on Sundays. I had to do it because of growing age as now I am feeling some pain in the right knee and also have arthritis problem," stated Roy.
Roy ran his 99th marathon on Dec 6 in Gurgaon followed by 100th marathon in Mumbai Jan 17. He had also penned a book "Joy of Running", which was released last year in February.
"I take a purely vegetarian diet, consisting of rice and a lot of fruits, twice a day. Taking three meals in a day is a dangerous practice and we should immediately reduce it to two if we want a healthy and beautiful life," said Roy.
Roy lamented that there is no awareness about marathons in India and no support from the government side.
"In 2008, 341 marathons were held in America whereas in India very few marathons were held in that year. Many of us do not even understand the meaning of a marathon, as we also categorise five or ten kilometer run as marathon, whereas no run less than 42 km is a marathon."
"For the last 25-years, I am running on my own expenses and I have not got any government support or from any other quarter," added Roy.
Roy said that he had full support from his family in his running endeavour.
"My wife, son and daughters, all are very motivating and encouraging. Everyday my wife wakes up with me up at 5.30 a.m., prepares tea for me and helps me in my preparation before going for running. Even my son is also a passionate runner. We are the only Indian father-son duo who has competed in the New York marathon in the US," said Roy.
Giving a word of advice, Roy said: "My only message for my countrymen is that they should run a lot if they want good health. It doesn't matter whichever sport you follow like hockey or football, your performance will automatically go up if you are a good runner.
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