HIV got him running, today he has 150 marathons under his belt

An alumnus of Pune’s Loyola High School and IIT-Bombay, Khatu relocated to San Francisco for work. It was in 2003 that he contracted HIV, but after the initial shock, he decided to remain positive. Contracting HIV made him focus on his health and he decided to take up running two years later.

The Pune International Marathon was the 150th that he completed. “I have raced across 35 countries on 6 continents,” says Khatu. He has also completed all six of the original World Marathon Majors (WMM) races and earned a Six Star Medal- Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo.

Now a RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) certified coach, Khatu is involved in raising funds for various US-based
non-profits and Indian NGOs working in the HIV/AIDS and LBTQIA space.

“I had accepted my sexual orientation and so did my family. But HIV was a challenge. I began antiretroviral therapy and am on a pill a day. Like most diseases, HIV has become a chronic condition and I have managed to keep the viral load in check. What has helped me tremendously though is running,” says Khatu who has over 20 years of experience as a runner across all distances from 5K to Ultramarathon.

HIV made him run not just to maintain good health but also to tackle any opportunistic infections. His runs have also inspired several to donate for NGOs in the US and India. “The Pune International Marathon held on December 1 coincided with World AIDS Day- which was fitting as I had tested positive for HIV 21 years ago and that played an important part in my marathon journey,” Khatu adds.

“I had accepted my sexual orientation and so did my family. But HIV was a challenge. I *started* antiretroviral therapy and am on a pill a day. Like most diseases HIV has become a chronic condition and I have managed to keep the viral load in check. What has helped me tremendously though is running,” says Khatu who has over 20 years of experience as a runner across all distances from 5K to Ultramarathon.

Khatu recalls his favourite marathons include San Francisco (which he has participated in 16 times), Mumbai (12 times) and Chicago (10 times). He rates the Great Wall of China Marathon as his toughest and the 56K Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa is his longest. His personal best time for the full marathon is 3:19 and one hour and 36 minutes for the half marathon.

Khatu has raised over Rs 12 lakh for NGOs in India and over $50,000 in the US through his running. What’s more, apart from staying fit and healthy, he uses marathons to pursue some of his passions- travel, food and culture. “I have visited 55 countries so far,” he adds.