Saikat Chaudhuri, a 55-year-old retired Group Captain from Ranchi’s SAIL City, is an Indian Air Force officer who has embarked on a new journey in the second phase of his life, taking his feet on the ground. Once a master of the skies, this brave pilot has now become an example of grit and determination on the marathon and ultra-marathon tracks. Saikat Chaudhuri has become an inspiration not only for runners in Ranchi but for runners across the country.
Saikat Chaudhuri began running at the age of 44. At the time, many couldn’t have imagined that someone at that age could achieve such a long journey. But Saikat not only started, but in 11 years, he achieved a milestone that is extremely difficult to reach. Today, he completes a full marathon (42.2 km) in 3 hours 36 minutes and a half marathon (21.1 km) in less than 1 hour 40 minutes, a feat no less than that of a professional runner.
Over the past 11 years, he has participated in 52 races, including 12 ultra-marathons. These ultra-marathons range in distance from 65 km to 161 km, four times longer than a typical marathon. He has run in some of India’s most diverse and challenging terrains, from the scorching sands of the Kutch Desert in Gujarat to the icy valleys of Ladakh’s 18,000-foot-high Khardung La Pass. He has also run on the lush green trails of Meghalaya and maintained his record even in extreme cold of -25°C.
His most challenging and prestigious race was the 2023 Hennur Bamboo Trail Ultra, where he completed the 161 km distance in 24 hours and 44 minutes, securing second place. This achievement is a matter of pride for any athlete. He proved that with discipline, self-confidence, and consistent practice, new heights can be achieved at any age.
Saikat Choudhury is not just an athlete, but has now become a pioneer in developing a running culture in Ranchi. On June 25, 2025, he founded the Ranchi Road Runners (RRR), a group aimed at sensitizing the city’s youth and adults about fitness, running, and a healthy lifestyle. This initiative proved to be a new chapter for Ranchi. In just three months, the group has grown to 91 enthusiastic runners. All members practice regularly every day and participate collectively in races ranging from 5 to 50 km on weekends.
Members of the Ranchi Road Runners are now making their presence felt in national-level running competitions. In recent months, the team performed well at the Bengaluru Half Marathon, the Lonavala Varsha Marathon (50 km), and the Hyderabad Marathon. On September 14, 2025, five members of the team completed the Ladakh Half Marathon, which is held at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level. Now, the team is going to participate in the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on October 12, with 11 runners.
According to Saikat Chaudhuri, “Every race is a new test. While a full marathon requires speed and planning, a 161 km ultra-marathon demands the mental and physical toughness to run continuously for more than 24 hours.” He says that when the body begins to respond to fatigue, only morale keeps the runner going.
One of his most challenging races is the Khardung-La Challenge in Ladakh, held at an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet. It is one of the highest ultra-marathons in the world. Oxygen levels here are less than 50% of what they are at sea level, and runners must cover a distance of 72 km in freezing temperatures of -10°C. In the recent Khardung-La Challenge, held on September 12, 2025, Saikat Chaudhuri completed the challenge in 11 hours and 39 minutes. This performance placed him among the country’s top endurance athletes.
Interestingly, Saikat Chaudhuri is now also moving towards barefoot running. He believes that running barefoot creates a natural harmony between the body and nature. He says, “Running is not just a sport, but an experience of self-discovery. When you push your body and mind beyond limits, you experience true freedom.”
Saikat Choudhury has won 52 medals in various national and international competitions, but he says that more valuable than these medals is the journey, which makes him stronger each time. His next goal is to set new national records and establish Ranchi as one of the country’s leading running hubs.
To raise awareness about running, he is now preparing for a major event. Ranchi Road Runners and the i3 Foundation will jointly organize the Ranchi Himalayan Marathon on September 13, 2026. Fifty Mount Everest conquerors will participate in this historic event. This will be a proud moment not only for Ranchi, but for the entire state of Jharkhand.
Saikat says, “This event will not only be a race, but a symbol of our commitment to perseverance, unity, and the environment. We want the youth of Jharkhand to be inspired through this event and make fitness a part of their lifestyle.”
When the streets of Ranchi are quiet early in the morning, Saikat Choudhury and his fellow runners awaken the city with their rhythmic footsteps. The confidence and determination reflected on their faces prove that age is just a number—true strength lies in inner desire and discipline.
From a disciplined officer in the Indian Air Force to becoming one of the country’s top marathon runners, Saikat Choudhury’s story bears testimony to the fact that
