Rohtak-based runner Bimla Banwala, aged 58, is set to line up at the Delhi Half Marathon — her latest milestone in an endurance journey that has seen her complete more than 100 races since she first took up running during the pandemic in 2020. What began as a simple effort to stay active has evolved into a defining pursuit, one that now shapes her daily routine and her identity within India's amateur running community.

From Pandemic Steps to 100-Race Milestone

Bimla has completed more than 50 half marathons, five full marathons, multiple 10K events, and several other long-distance races since 2020. She participates in roughly 10 events every year, driven not by personal records but by the experience of running itself. 'I started running in 2020, and since then it has become a very important part of my life. I enjoy running in marathon races, and after running, I feel good and have positive energy; my mind remains fresh,' Bimla said.

A Regular on India's Biggest Road Races

Her circuit spans some of the country's most prestigious road races. A regular at Procam International's marquee events, Bimla has completed the Procam Slam and featured in the Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Mumbai Marathon, Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata, and TCS World 10K Bengaluru. This breadth of participation places her among a small group of amateur runners who have consistently competed across India's four major running cities.

A Shared Road — The Banwala 'Power Couple'

Running has become a family endeavour for the Banwalas. Bimla's husband, Chandrapal Banwala, a former Army man who joined the forces in 1987, has become an equally committed runner. Introduced to sport through wrestling during his service years, Chandrapal took to distance running seriously after the pandemic and has since completed numerous marathons and ultra-marathons, registering several podium finishes. The couple now travel together to races in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, earning the affectionate tag of a 'power couple' within their running community. 'I have become so passionate about running that I don't see anything else. Running has become such an integral part of my life, and I truly believe there is nothing better for one's health,' Chandrapal said.

What Keeps Her Running at 58

For Bimla, the value of running extends well beyond race-day finishes. Five years into the sport, it remains a consistent source of physical fitness, mental clarity, and companionship. Her story is notable in the context of India's growing mass-participation running culture, where older and non-elite runners are increasingly visible at major urban events. Notably, her journey began not from a sporting background but from a straightforward decision to stay healthy during a period of widespread inactivity.

What's Next

As the Delhi Half Marathon returns to the capital's streets, Bimla will stand at the start line with more than a century of races behind her. At 58, she continues to treat each event not as a final destination but as another stretch of an ongoing journey — one that shows little sign of slowing down.