At an age when most people slow down their physical activities, 70-year-old Rameshwar Jakhar from the Sikar district of Rajasthan has demonstrated an inspiring example of physical endurance. Waking up at 4 am every day to pursue a dedicated fitness regimen, Jakhar achieved a major milestone by winning his category at the Ladakh Marathon 2026. Battling the high altitude and difficult terrain, he completed the 11.2-kilometer race in 1 hour and 14 minutes. Maintaining an average running pace of approximately 6 minutes and 36 seconds per kilometer, he secured first place in the 70-plus age division.
Late Beginning and Rising Above Setbacks
Jakhar took up running relatively late in life, beginning his journey at age 69 in November 2025. Just a month later, in December, he entered the Nahargarh Marathon and completed the 5-kilometer event in 28 minutes. However, a major hurdle soon followed during a 7-kilometer run when he suffered a fall, resulting in a fractured hand. While his family advised him to rest and step back from athletics, Jakhar remained determined. Roughly a month after recovering from the injury, he accompanied his friends to participate in the Jaipur Marathon, where he delivered a strong performance and earned a medal. Following that success, on August 9, 2026, he tackled the Mount Abu Half Marathon, completing the 21.2-kilometer route in 2 hours and 41 minutes. To date, he has competed in 8 to 9 marathon events.
Early Hardships and the Spinal Crisis
Originally from Jetpura village, Jakhar currently resides in Sikar city with his son and daughter-in-law. After completing his B.Com education, his early life was shaped by economic hardship. Following the untimely death of his father at an early age, the entire financial responsibility of the household fell onto his shoulders. Seeking better earning opportunities, he moved to Italy in 2004. However, demanding physical labor abroad triggered severe spinal complications. Consequently, in 2005, he returned home to his village.
Upon his return, he visited a private hospital in Jaipur seeking medical care. Doctors evaluated his spine condition and estimated that the treatment would require an expenditure of 5 to 7 lakh rupees. Because of his constrained financial situation, Jakhar was unable to afford the costly hospital treatment.
Recovery Through Yoga, Running, and Ayurveda
Facing limited medical options, Jakhar received advice from a health expert who suggested adopting yoga and exercise. Taking the recommendation seriously, he integrated daily workouts into his routine. He began with modest morning walks, which progressively evolved into long-distance running. The consistent combination of yoga, physical exercise, running, and Ayurvedic methods gradually alleviated his chronic spinal pain and restored his mobility. With his health stabilized, he rebuilt his life and went on to establish his own ITI college in Sikar city in 2008.
Current Training Regimen and Eyes on the Delhi Marathon
Jakhar continues to maintain a rigorous physical routine. He splits his week between running for three days and cycling for three days, covering 8 to 10 kilometers of running and 10 to 20 kilometers of cycling each session. He maintains disciplined sleeping habits, going to bed between 9 pm and 10 pm, while sticking to a simple, wholesome diet.
Alongside practicing with fellow runners at Smriti Van, his initiative, Smart Yoga Group, provides free yoga and fitness training to local citizens. Buoyed by his triumph in Ladakh, his upcoming target is the 28-kilometer Delhi Marathon, for which preparatory training is already underway. Jakhar maintains that age is merely a number, emphasizing that consistent practice, disciplined habits, yoga, and positive thinking can keep the human body resilient and active throughout life.
