New Delhi, August 26: Fifty-eight-year-old Bimla Banwala from Rohtak is set to participate in the Delhi Half Marathon. Bimla began her running journey during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has since completed over 100 races.
Initially motivated to stay fit, running soon turned into a passion for her. She has completed more than 50 half marathons, five full marathons, 10-kilometer races, and several other long-distance events. Now, Bimla participates in around ten events each year. She runs not just to increase her race count but because she genuinely enjoys it.
Bimla states, “I started running in 2020, and it has become a significant part of my life. I love participating in marathon races. Running makes me feel good, provides positive energy, and keeps my mind refreshed.”
A regular participant in major events organized by Procam International, Bimla has completed the Procam Slam. Additionally, she has taken part in the Delhi Half Marathon, Tata Mumbai Marathon, Tata Steel World 25 Kilometer Kolkata, and TCS World 10 Kilometer Bengaluru.
Bimla’s husband, Chandrapal Banwala, also runs alongside her. The couple travels together to participate in running competitions held across the country. Their shared passion for running has earned them the title of ‘Power Couple’ in the running community.
Chandrapal, a former soldier who joined the Indian Army in 1987, was introduced to sports like wrestling during his service. After the pandemic, running became his main hobby, and he has since completed several marathons and ultra-marathons, often finishing on the podium.
Chandrapal expresses, “I am so passionate about running that I see nothing else. It has become a vital part of my life. There’s nothing better for health.”
For Bimla, the significance of this journey goes beyond just finishing races. It has become a means of fitness, positivity, and mental freshness.
As runners return to the capital’s streets through the Delhi Half Marathon, Bimla will line up at the starting line with the experience of completing over 100 races. At 58, she views each event not just as a milestone but as an opportunity to run, stay active, and embrace the experience.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.