Cannot live without running, says Jammu’s ‘marathon man’

Vikas Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 14

From a chubby guy with over 90-kg weight to a passionate marathon runner, the transformation of 37-year-old Gaurav Gupta, a young businessman and an entrepreneur, popularly known as the ‘Marathon man of Jammu’, is a source of inspiration for many.

With successful participation in over 20 marathons, three of them bare feet, Gaurav Gupta shared his experiences about how running has brought a welcome change in his life in an interview to The Tribune. Excerpts:

Q: Tell us about your journey of becoming the ‘Marathon man of Jammu’.

A: It all started four years back. In 2014, I was going to office in my car when suddenly I had severe pain. The doctor informed me that excessive weight was the reason behind it and advised me to lose it. Initially, I started with evening walks and then, I used to run to cover small distances. In 2014, I decided to participate in the 21-km New Delhi Half Marathon. But a few days before the event, my knee was injured and doctors advised me not to take part in it. Such was the passion that I ran almost 18 km with an injured knee and completed the remaining 3 km of the marathon on one leg. That was indeed the most unforgettable and defining moment of my life.

Q: How difficult is it to maintain a perfect balance between hectic business assignments and running?

A: Luckily, I have the support of my family which helps me strike a perfect balance between my business assignments and fitness-related activities. Without their support, it would not have been possible to organise the first-ever Jammu Half Marathon in November this year. The event will now be held every year.

Q: How has running changed your life?

A: I cannot imagine my day without it because it is only due to running that I got a new lease of life. I am the only athlete from the state to have participated in three bare-foot half marathons in a span of two years.

Q: How do you feel after becoming the ‘Marathon man of Jammu’?

A: It always feels nice when people recognise your achievements. In 2017, I covered 45-km distance from Jammu to Katra town bare feet to pay homage to security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.

Q: Who was your source of inspiration while participating in so many marathons?

A: There are numerous examples in the world about those individuals who, with their grit and determination, have achieved stupendous feats despite facing hardships. To lead a healthy life is enough for me to get motivated.

Q: Your message to the people of Jammu.

A: My message to the people of Jammu is very simple: Stay fit and live a healthy life. Being a citizen of this beautiful city, it is the duty of everyone to work for its betterment.