Mumbai-based advocate Usha Joshi turns 80 this year. Her petite 5ft, 38kg frame may fool many, but she is all set to take on the 10km race at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025. As Asia's most prestigious marathon, now in its 20th edition, the Tata Mumbai Marathon will witness a record-breaking 60,000 runners take to the starting line. Among them is 80-year-old Usha Joshi.
As the former Head of Research at Johnson & Johnson, Usha is a scientist-cum-entrepreneur, who now practices law. Always the one to reinvent herself, her fitness journey began when she moved to Mumbai Powai's suburb over two decades ago. Her kids were all grown up, and the beautifully landscaped scenery of Powai inspired her to first explore the neighborhood by way of long walks, which soon became runs. Ironically, as a young girl growing up, Usha recalls she was never particularly athletic. But her recent track record says otherwise.
(Photo courtesy: Usha Joshi)
Never one to shy away from a challenge, nor one to let her age deter her, Usha went the extra mile and trained herself in the fundamentals of long-distance running a decade ago, with the Striders Community -- of which she is still a part. And she hasn't looked back since. Having participated in the Tata Mumbai Marathon multiple times over, the octogenarian claims, "Whenever a marathon is announced, I'm now always the first one to register. As long as I live, I'll continue to run. There is simply no stopping me."
When asked what motivates her to continue to run at her age, she states, "To work with my younger colleagues, I need to look and feel my best. I don't want to miss out on opportunities just because of my age." The grandmother of two's commitment to staying fit and fabulous, at the age of 80, is inspiring Indians across the diaspora to follow in her footsteps.
Her daughter, US-based scientist Dr Nikita Joshi goes on to say, "I think actions speak louder than words -- parents always push their kids to stay healthy, but what better way than to show them through your actions. I want my child to be motivated the same way my mother motivates me." Don't miss the opportunity to witness the inspirational 80-year old Usha Joshi take part in the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon on January 19th, 2025. After all, age is just a number!
For more details visit: https://tatamumbaimarathon.procam.in/
