Archive · 1 Nov 2025
From Auto Driver to Marathon Legend: Madhav Saripalla's Inspiring Journey
Imagine a man who drives an auto-rickshaw for a living.
He faced many tough challenges in life, like raising children with special needs and dealing with his house collapsing.
Even though he had a difficult life, he never gave up!
When his son couldn't skate anymore because of an injury, this man decided to start running.
He began running marathons when he was already 55 years old.
Now, he's 68 and has run over 100 marathons, even winning some!
He trains hard, eats simple food, and shows everyone, especially young people, that it's never too late to be active and chase your dreams, no matter the struggles.
Madhav Saripalla, a 68-year-old autorickshaw driver from Mangaluru, has completed over 100 marathons.
He began running marathons at the age of 55 after his son's skating career ended due to injury.
Saripalla has overcome significant personal and financial struggles throughout his life.
His dedication to running inspires local youth to engage in sports and physical activities.
He continues to train and participate in marathons, with sponsors now covering his registration fees.
- Who
- Madhav Saripalla, a 68-year-old autorickshaw driver
- What
- Has completed over 100 marathons and inspires youth through his running journey.
- When
- Started running marathons at age 55 in 2011.
- Where
- Mangaluru, coastal Karnataka
- Why
- To carry forward his son's inclination towards sports after his injury and to inspire others.
- Age
- 68
- Profession
- Autorickshaw driver
- First Marathon
- 2011 (age 55)
- Marathons Completed
- Over 100
- Training Distance
- 20 km (thrice a week)
- Diet
- Porridge and eggs