Ageless wonder on running spree

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 17

A shining sportsperson at 68! As interesting as it sounds has been the journey of Jarnail Singh so far. Defying the problems of growing age, 68-year-old Jarnail Singh has been scaling new heights by taking part in marathons. He impressed all as he took part in a mini maranthon held here on February 24.

Similarly, this runner was inspiring youngsters in the Delhi half marathon, organised by Airtel, on October 21, 2018. He participated in 10-km km run in Delhi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium last year as well. He shone in Super Sikh run – half marathon (21 km) in New Delhi in 2016 and 10th CT Half Marathon on March 5, 2017 in Amritsar. A resident of Rani Ka Bagh, he also took part in the Amritsar police’s five-km martyr run in October 2017.

Generally, people retire from active profession after attaining 60 years of age. He has been earning name and fame by participating in walks and marathons organised in various parts of the country.

In 2016, he took part in various long-distance races to test his endurance power at such a ripe age. He participated in 10-km seventh champion run held at Nehru stadium, New Delhi, besides in 10-km New Delhi Run, organised by Hindustan Arathon. He completed the veteran men’s 10.5-km walk in 01:18:14 hours in Yamuna Quarter Marathon in March.

In 2015, he participated in the 10-km walk in Karnal. He had bagged the fifth position in the 4.5 km Great Karnal Run last May.

He successfully completed the “fastest 10-km” organised by Vikaspuri Runners on June 7, 2015, at Dwarka, Sector 11, New Delhi.

He also stood first in a five-km walk, covering the distance in 32:39:06 in the veterans athletics meet, in 2014. His first stint was in the 32nd Punjab Masters Athletics Championship held at Banga in 2014.

A confident Jarnail is a symbol of emulation for the young as well as veterans. As a businessman, he worked at the Bhagtanwala grain market. Later, he chose to run in marathons. Revealing the secret of his success, he says that his simple lifestyle and eating habits have made it possible for him to take part in such events at this age. “While working at the grain market, I used to cover 10-km distance between my residence and the workplace on foot. This continued for years,” he adds. Hailing from Hashimpura village in Ajnala subdivision, Jarnail shifted to the city in 1985. For him, walking is the best possible way to reduce pollution and maintain good health.