India septuagenarian marathon runner is on a fitness mission

The 78-year-old medical practitioner, fresh from his 107th appearance in the Gurgaon Marathon Sunday, wants to run most of his future races in India to spread the awareness among the fellow countrymen.

The retired wing commander has competed in 69 marathons in Europe and America and 38 in his home country. "Indians are not used to the idea of fitness. The maximum heart attacks in the world are recorded in this country. I want to do my bit in changing the dubious trend and would run my future races across the country," Roy told IANS during a media interaction here Wednesday.

"A healthy diet is also an integral part of being fit. I think I will be the only vegetarian Bengali in India," he quipped. Roy, a member of the prestigious North America Yakima River Marathon Club, follows a rigorous schedule to be fit the way he is.

"It run for 12 km for four days in a week and 18-24 km on Sundays. Once in a week, I give my body complete rest." The next on Roy's agenda is Chandigarh Marathon next month.

"I want to run till the end. The best thing in running a marathon is that there is no age limit unlike other sports. And as you can see I am looking younger by the day," summed up Roy.