‘No coach, no fancy gear’: Bihar labourer finishes as runner-up in Spiti marathon, dreams to represent India at 2028 Olympics

Rohit Kumar has run in over 100 marathons, averaging five in a month.

New Delhi | Updated: September 9, 2025 02:25 PM IST

3 min read

Inspired by marathons in London, New York, and Tokyo, Rohit began his training in 2020 (Image source: @UBArea_IA/X)

Rohit Kumar, a daily wage worker from Bihar’s Khagaria, is winning hearts with his inspiring marathon feat in Dehradun. The 32-year-old, who works at a construction site in Delhi, finished as the runner-up in a marathon in Spiti.

Sharing his inspiring journey, Army’s Uttar Bharat dedicated a post to Rohit on X. “At just 32, Rohit Kumar, a daily wage labourer from Delhi, doesn’t chase records or sponsorships. He runs to survive, fuelled by necessity, not luxury. In the gruelling 77 km Kunzum La–Kaza Ultra of the #SuryaSpitiChallenge2025, he finished 2nd with a time of 7h 44m,” the post read.

“No coach. No fancy gear. Just raw resolve. His finish line wasn’t just a medal, it was dignity, hope and a step closer to his Olympic dream. Rohit runs for those who are never seen. For India’s silent fighters who carry mountains on their shoulders and dreams in their hearts,” it added.

See the post here:

This is not the first marathon feat that Rohit has accomplished. Speaking to TOI, he shared that he has run in over 100 marathons, averaging five in a month. “Now I am focusing on quality runs. This is why I participated in the high-altitude Spiti marathon organised by the Army, where I finished second in the 77 km Kunzum La-Kaza Ultra under the Surya Spiti Challenge,” TOI quoted Rohit as saying.

Rohit has now been invited to another high-altitude marathon in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. “They (the Indian Army) assured me of covering my travel, food, and lodging. I will get another podium finish, hopefully,” he said.

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Inspired by marathons in London, New York, and Tokyo, Rohit began his training in 2020. The report stated that he self-trained between his labour shifts, and began his day at 4.30 am with running. With a dream of representing India in the Triathlon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, he told TOI, “I spend Rs 20,000 a month on diet and equipment from my Rs 30,000 earnings to realise this dream.”

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