Ranjit Thakur
At an age when many slow down, 52-year-old Manminder Kour a mother of two children from Jammu is sprinting ahead – quite literally. In a defining moment of personal triumph, she clinched the gold medal in her age category (50-54) at the 20th Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2025, clocking an impressive 1 hour, 39 minutes and 31 seconds in the 21-kilometre race.
Held in Delhi, the VDHM is one of India’s most prestigious road racing events, drawing over 40,000 runners from around the world. For Manminder, who began her fitness journey only four years ago, this wasn’t just a medal – it was a message of possibility and self-belief for women across age groups, especially in her hometown of Jammu.
From Homemaker to Marathoner
Speaking to EXCELSIOR, Manminder shared how her transformation began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. “I started with brisk walking and soon signed up for the HDOR 100 Days Challenge. I completed 2,800 km in that time, and it helped me develop consistency and love for running,” she recalls.
However, the journey began even earlier – not with a medal, but with a moment of pain. In 2017, she suffered a major injury – a ligament tear and a fracture – that confined her to bed for nine months. “That was a turning point. I was a homemaker with no background in sports, even though my entire family – husband, daughter, father-in-law, brother-in-law – are marathoners,” she says. “After months in bed, I realised I needed to do something for myself, something that would make me feel alive again.”
Despite scepticism from relatives and well-wishers who advised her to avoid intense physical activity at “this age,” Manminder remained resolute. “People thought I was crazy or risking my health. But I knew it was now or never.”
The Road to Gold
Her determination paid off in Delhi, where she competed against elite amateur runners in her category. “It was tough. The competition was stiff and it was a world-class event. But winning the gold was not just personal – it was symbolic. It was for every woman who dreams of doing something big, no matter her age,” she says.
Over the past few years, Manminder has built an impressive record of achievements: Kashmir Marathon 2024 – 1st rank in age category (Gold Medal). Seattle (US) International Marathon 2023 – 21 km, 2nd rank in age category. Rishikesh Ganga Sustainability Run (50 km) – 1st rank. Seema Prahari IOCL Marathon 2022 – 21 km, 1st rank (40+ category). Bordermen Marathon 2025 – 21 km, 2nd rank. Patnitop Full Marathon 2021 – 1st rank. Jammu-Katra Padyatra 2023 – 72 km. Katra Half Marathon – 1st rank. Jammu Midnight Marathon 2023 – 1st rank. Jammu & Kashmir Police Run – 1st rank. FICCI FLO Half Marathon – Overall 1st rank (10 km female category). Bathinda Pacer for 1:55 Kathua Police Half Marathon 2021 – 1st rank (10 km). J&K Master Athletics Association – 2 Gold Medals. J&K UT Athletics Championship – 3 Gold Medals. “With the grace of God, I’ve had the privilege of standing on the podium at many events,” she says modestly.
Changing the Narrative for Women
Manminder has become a source of inspiration for many women in Jammu. When asked about the changing fitness culture, especially among women, she reflects, “Yes, there’s been a big shift. Earlier, many women only gathered for kitty parties. I was one of them. But now, they’re grouping to train, to run marathons, to set records. It’s a positive change. Women are finally prioritising their own health.”
She believes community fitness events have played a huge role. “The growing number of marathons and fitness drives are encouraging all age groups, especially women, to step out and take control of their physical well-being.”
The Mind Behind the Miles
Behind her success is not just hard work but also a mindset of persistence. “I never planned to become a marathoner. I wasn’t even into sports. But once I started, I just couldn’t stop,” she says, smiling. She credits her family for their silent support, especially during the initial days of self-doubt and injury recovery.
Now, as she prepares for new challenges, Manminder has her eyes set on a dream that most amateur runners aspire to – the Boston Marathon. “I’m not someone who plans too far ahead, but yes, Boston is a dream I want to chase,” she says.
A Message to Women Everywhere
To those still hesitating to take the first step, she says, “Start small. Walk. Move. Do something for yourself. Age is not a barrier – the mind is. Every successful woman should be an inspiration for another.”
As she stood on the podium in Delhi, gold medal in hand, Manminder Kour was more than just a winner – she was a symbol of courage, transformation and the enduring power of self-belief. For Jammu and for many women across India, she has shown that life doesn’t slow down at 50 – sometimes, it just begins.
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