Ladakh Marathon at 70: Sikar Runner Rameshwar Jakhar Overcomes Spine Injury to Claim Top Podium Overcoming spinal complications and a hand fracture, 70-year-old Rameshwar Jakhar from Sikar secured first place in his age category at the Ladakh Marathon. 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. What this means for you Rameshwar Jakhar's milestone illustrates that disciplined physical activity and lifestyle modifications can overcome severe health limitations at an advanced age. • Across India: This achievement serves as a wake-up call for citizens across all demographics that fitness journeys can begin at any stage of life. Adopting consistent walking, yoga, and simple dietary habits can help reduce dependence on expensive medical interventions. • In Sikar: Locally, residents benefit directly from free community fitness sessions organized at Smriti Van by his Smart Yoga Group. The community has found a grassroots role model encouraging both youths and senior citizens to embrace outdoor athletics. • Health and Lifestyle: Integrating traditional Ayurvedic methods, proper sleep schedules, and structured workouts can significantly improve chronic musculoskeletal issues. Waking early and retiring by 10 pm supports sustained metabolic and physical stamina. • Running and Sports: Starting long-distance running at 69 and completing nearly nine marathons demonstrates the power of steady physical conditioning. Overcoming fractures and setbacks proves that mental resilience is crucial to physical achievement. Why this happened Rameshwar Jakhar's athletic accomplishments were driven by chronic spinal complications, the inability to afford expensive medical care, and dedicated holistic rehabilitation. • Root Cause of Spinal Damage: Heavy physical labor while working in Italy in 2004 triggered severe complications in his spine. As a result of chronic pain and mobility issues, he was forced to return to his ancestral village in 2005. • Shift to Holistic Health: Specialists at a private medical facility in Jaipur quoted an estimated treatment cost between 5 and 7 lakh rupees. Due to constrained finances, he could not afford the medical procedure and instead followed expert advice to embrace yoga, outdoor exercises, and Ayurveda. • Progression into Distance Running: Beginning with light morning walks, his regular physical conditioning progressively strengthened his back and eliminated the pain. Despite suffering a fractured arm in an early race, his mental perseverance and disciplined routine propelled him to marathon victories. Questions & Answers 1. What milestone did Rameshwar Jakhar achieve at the Ladakh Marathon 2026? He finished the 11.2-kilometer race in 1 hour and 14 minutes, securing first place in the 70-plus age category. 2. What was his running pace during the Ladakh Marathon? He maintained an average pace of approximately 6 minutes and 36 seconds per kilometer on the high-altitude terrain. 3. At what age did he begin distance running? He started his running journey in November 2025 at the age of 69. 4. How much did doctors estimate for his spinal treatment? Doctors at a private hospital in Jaipur estimated that his spinal treatment would cost between 5 and 7 lakh rupees. 5. What is his daily workout routine? He wakes up at 4 am, running 8 to 10 kilometers three days a week and cycling 10 to 20 kilometers on the other three days. 6. What is his upcoming athletic objective? His next goal is to participate in the 28-kilometer Delhi Marathon. Inspiration & Lessons Rameshwar Jakhar's journey illustrates how determination, lifestyle discipline, and perseverance can conquer severe financial and physical hardships. • Age is Just a Number: Taking up distance running at age 69 and securing a top finish at the high-altitude Ladakh Marathon at 70 shows that it is never too late to reinvent oneself. • Resilience Against Setbacks: Suffering a bone fracture during a race failed to dampen his spirit, as he resumed competitive marathons within weeks of recovery to win medals. • Resourcefulness Over Resources: When unable to afford a 5 to 7 lakh rupee surgical intervention, he relied on consistent yoga, physical exercise, and Ayurveda to successfully rehabilitate his spine. • Giving Back to Society: After regaining his own vitality, he established the Smart Yoga Group to offer free fitness and yoga training to local community members. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/70-ki-umra-men-ladakh-mairathana-jiti-rirha-ki-gnbhira-bimari-ko-mata-dekara-sikar-ke-rameshwar-jakhar-bane-chainpiyana-37144 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.