Delhi Construction Worker Who Became a Marathon Champion Now Trains for Olympics 2028

Dehradun, September 9, 2025: At a bustling construction site in Delhi, 32-year-old Rohit Kumar can often be seen running up staircases with bricks strapped to his back. To many, he appears to be just another daily wage labourer from Khagaria, Bihar. But beyond the dusty worksites, Kumar has carved an identity as a marathon runner with podium finishes across the country.

Over the years, Kumar has competed in more than 100 marathons, averaging around five a month. His dedication recently earned him second place at the gruelling 77-km high-altitude Kunzum La–Kaza Ultra Marathon in Spiti this August, part of the Surya Spiti Challenge. Speaking to The Times of India, Kumar said, “Now I am focusing on quality runs. That is why I participated in the high-altitude Spiti marathon where I finished second.”

The performance drew praise from the Indian Army, whose Uttar Bharat Command posted on X: “At just 32, Rohit Kumar, a daily wage labourer from Delhi, doesn’t chase records or sponsorships. He runs to survive, fuelled by necessity, not luxury... No coach, no fancy gear. Just raw resolve.”

Encouraged by his resilience, the Army has pledged to support his future runs, covering travel, food, and lodging. Kumar has already been invited to participate in another high-altitude marathon in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, where he hopes to secure another podium finish.

Kumar’s journey, however, was far from straightforward. After enrolling in a medical course in Russia, he was forced to return home in 2017 when his farmer-parents could no longer afford his education. Struggling to make ends meet, he worked at construction sites, carrying heavy loads during the day and squeezing in training at dawn and dusk.

The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 became a turning point. Stuck indoors, he began watching videos of international marathons in New York, London, and Tokyo. Inspired, he started structured training—rising at 4:30 a.m. for runs, working at construction sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then swimming for an hour before preparing dinner and resting.

Today, Kumar is chasing a bigger goal: representing India in the triathlon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite earning just ₹30,000 a month, he spends nearly ₹20,000 of it on diet and equipment to pursue his dream.

Promising full backing, PRO Defence (Dehradun), Lt. Col. Manish Srivastava said, “The Indian Army is always there to support raw talents who have the potential to make the country proud in sporting events at national and international levels. Kumar will get all the support to help him excel and achieve his Olympic dream.”

Source: Times of Times

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