Running has become more than just a fitness trend in India—it’s a movement. From marathons to ultrarunning, these passionate athletes are inspiring millions with their dedication, discipline, and incredible achievements. Whether you're a beginner looking for motivation or a seasoned runner aiming for new goals, these top Indian running influencers will push you to lace up your shoes and hit the track!
Through their social media, they share training tips, personal struggles, and success stories, making fitness more relatable and achievable for everyone. Their journeys prove that with consistency and determination, anyone can embrace running as a way to improve both physical and mental well-being.
Girish Bindra is a well-known name in the Indian running community, inspiring fitness enthusiasts with his dedication to marathons and ultra-distance running. Based in Mumbai, he has participated in various prestigious running events, showcasing his endurance and commitment to fitness.
Apart from being an accomplished runner, Girish is also associated with events like the Wilson Ultramarathon, Chandigarh Fast Marathon, and Jupiter Running Club, where he actively promotes the running culture. His passion extends beyond personal achievements—he motivates aspiring runners through his social media presence.
Follow Girish Bindra on Instagram for running tips, fitness motivation, and updates on his marathon journey: Girish Bindra
Pooja Bishnoi is a young and exceptionally talented athlete from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who has gained nationwide recognition for her remarkable achievements in running. At just 12 years old, she has already set records and become an inspiration for young athletes across India.
Pooja is supported by the Sevaa Foundation and is known for her extraordinary dedication to fitness and training. She became the youngest girl to run 10 km in just 48 minutes and aims to represent India in athletics on the global stage. Her disciplined routine, which includes intense workouts and a strict diet, sets her apart as a future champion in Indian sports.
With 1.2 million followers on Instagram, Pooja continues to inspire budding athletes with her determination and hard work.
Follow her journey here: Pooja Bishnoi
Sayuri Dalvi is a passionate long-distance runner and fitness enthusiast known for her impressive performances in various marathons. Her dedication to running and promoting an active lifestyle has made her a recognized name in the Indian running community.
In November 2024, Sayuri won the 10 km Below 45 Years Women's Category at the ANP Run Pune Run Charity Half Marathon, completing the race in 49 minutes and 16 seconds. Her consistent performances in competitive running events highlight her commitment to endurance sports.
Beyond racing, Sayuri actively shares her fitness journey, training routines, and race experiences on social media, inspiring others to take up running and lead a healthier lifestyle.
With a growing presence in the running community, Sayuri continues to motivate others with her achievements and dedication.
Follow her journey on Instagram: Sayuri Dalvi
Jitendra Advani is a well-known name in India's running community, inspiring thousands with his dedication to fitness and endurance sports. A passionate marathoner, he has been actively promoting a healthy lifestyle through running and fitness challenges.
Balancing a successful corporate career with his love for running, Jitendra is an advocate for consistent training, discipline, and goal setting. He is associated with Times Runners, a prominent running group in New Delhi, where he mentors and motivates fellow runners. His journey from a beginner to a seasoned marathoner has been an inspiration to many in the fitness world.
With a strong presence on social media, Jitendra shares his training routines, race experiences, and motivational insights to encourage others to embrace fitness.
Follow his journey on Instagram: Jitendra Advani.
Sarthak Malani is a passionate ultramarathon runner and fitness enthusiast dedicated to promoting mental health awareness through endurance sports.
In August 2020, he ran 74 km in 12 hours within his residential society in Ahmedabad to raise awareness about mental health, a cause close to his heart. Having faced Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), he actively advocates for early intervention and breaking the stigma.
Sarthak is also known for retro running (backward running), which he adopted as a rehabilitation method after a knee injury. His first backward half marathon in 2015 marked the beginning of his unique fitness journey.
In October 2024, he completed a 100 km ultra-run from Porbandar to Veraval, marking 550 days of running without traditional shoes, embracing minimalist footwear for natural movement.
Sarthak continues to inspire others with his dedication to holistic fitness and mental resilience.
Follow his journey on Instagram: Sarthak Malani.
Kavita Chand is a passionate marathon runner and Vice President at a market research company, balancing her corporate career with her love for long-distance running.
Her running journey began in April 2017, shortly after maternity, when she joined a local running group. Within six months, she transformed her lifestyle, completing her first 10 km race in under an hour in June 2017 and her first half marathon in 2 hours and 23 minutes.
In November 2019, Kavita achieved a major milestone by finishing her first full marathon in 3 hours and 49 minutes. She continues to train rigorously, aiming to qualify for the Boston Marathon and participate in major races like the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon.
With a strong presence in the running community, Kavita serves as an inspiration, proving that dedication and discipline can lead to remarkable achievements.
Follow her journey on Instagram: Kavita Chand.
Ramanjit Singh Oberoi, born in 1958, discovered his passion for marathon running at 52 after witnessing a friend's participation in the Airtel Half Marathon in Delhi. Transitioning from a career in banking and security services, he has since completed over 120 full marathons, 95 half marathons, and 10 ultra marathons. His ambitious goal is to earn the Six Star Medal by finishing all six World Marathon Majors, having already completed the Boston, Berlin, and New York City Marathons. Notably, he has also conquered ultra marathons like the 100 km Mumbai Ultra and the 87 km Comrades Marathon in South Africa, which he completed in 9 hours and 25 minutes. At 65, Oberoi secured first place in his age category at the 72 km Khardung La Challenge in Ladakh, finishing in 11 hours and 43 minutes. Beyond his personal achievements, he is dedicated to promoting fitness and organized the "STAY FIT RUN" marathon in Noida, Delhi NCR, in 2024, inspiring individuals of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
For more insights into his journey and updates - Ramanjit Singh Oberoi
Amar Singh Devanda is a top Indian ultramarathon runner from Cheethwari, Jaipur. Initially a farmer with no sports background, he started running in 2016 and quickly rose to prominence.
In April 2024, he won gold at the IAU 24-hour Asia & Oceania Championship in Canberra, covering 272.537 km, setting a new Indian record. He had previously won gold in 2022 (257.618 km). His exceptional endurance has made him a key figure in Indian ultrarunning.
His personal bests include:
Devanda's rise from a rural background to international success is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He continues to inspire aspiring athletes, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome any limitation. His achievements have put India on the global ultrarunning map.
Follow his journey on Instagram: Amar Singh Devanda
Priyanka Bhatt is an accomplished ultramarathon runner from Mumbai, India. In June 2019, she won the 24-hour Stadium Run in Mumbai, covering 151.6 km, qualifying for the IAU 24-Hour World Ultra Marathon Championship in France later that year.
Despite a full-time job, Priyanka has consistently pushed her limits in endurance running. She trains rigorously, balancing work, fitness, and competition, proving that dedication and time management can lead to success.
She has inspired many aspiring athletes with her journey, showing that anyone with passion and perseverance can achieve greatness. Priyanka continues to participate in ultra races, setting new benchmarks for endurance running in India.
Follow her journey on Instagram: Priyanka Bhatt
Kavitha Reddy is a distinguished athlete from Andhra Pradesh, India, known for her achievements in marathon running and mountaineering. In August 2022, she secured first place in the women's category of the Mumbai Half Marathon, completing the race in 1 hour, 37 minutes, and 3 seconds. Beyond marathons, Kavitha has climbed over 15 peaks in the Indian and Nepal Himalayas, showcasing her mountaineering prowess. She was the first mountaineer from Karnataka to summit two peaks in the Indian Himalayas in the same year, 2012. Kavitha also participated in the Republic Day Parade and Prime Minister's Rally in 1993 as part of the Karnataka and Goa NCC Directorate. Balancing her athletic pursuits with social activism, she continues to inspire many with her dedication and multifaceted achievements.
Follow her journey on Instagram: Kavitha Reddy
