Mrs Saraswati Rai, aged 45, wife of Havildar Pramod Rai (Retd), etched her name in the annals of endurance sport by winning the Full Marathon (Female – Open Category) at the Tawang Marathon 3.0, conducted on 24 October 2025 at Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh (10,000 feet), under the aegis of the Gajraj Corps. A native of Kalimpong, West Bengal, Mrs Rai epitomizes strength in every sense — as a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and an indomitable athlete. She is the proud mother of Miss Praweshna Rai, who is pursuing her aspiration to join the Civil Services, and Rifleman Priyat Rai, currently serving with 5/4 Gorkha Rifles. Her journey to the summit of success is, indeed, a saga of grit, glory, and unyielding resilience.
A talented runner since her school days, Saraswati’s athletic promise was curtailed early when she married and dedicated herself entirely to her family. Though her dreams lay dormant, her passion for running continued to flicker quietly in the recesses of her heart. Once her children were settled, she resolved to rekindle her long-cherished ambition. At the age of 37, she began participating in local running events across West Bengal. The return however, was not without challenges — physiological changes, advancing age, and years of inactivity posed formidable obstacles. There were moments of self-doubt and fatigue, yet the fire within refused to extinguish. In 2018, she embarked on a disciplined journey of self-transformation, embracing rigorous fitness routines, dietary discipline, and structured training, reigniting her pursuit of excellence. What followed was a remarkable odyssey of perseverance and triumph. Over the years, Mrs Rai has participated in numerous prestigious marathons across the nation — including the Tata Mumbai Full Marathon, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, and Apollo Tyres Delhi Full Marathon — earning accolades and admiration wherever she competed.
When she decided to contest the Tawang Marathon 3.0, her motivation was twofold: firstly, to challenge herself against the unforgiving terrain and altitude of Tawang, and secondly, to seize an opportunity to meet her son serving in this sector. Accompanied by her husband, she travelled to Lumpo to meet her son, carrying with her homemade delicacies prepared with a mother’s love. On the crisp, cold morning of 24 October 2025, amidst the thin mountain air, Mrs Rai embodied perseverance in motion. Competing against seasoned and younger athletes from across India and abroad, she displayed remarkable endurance, unwavering focus, and sheer determination to clinch the Women’s Full Marathon Title, along with a prize money of Rupees Three Lac. Her husband, Pramod Rai also ran alongside her and secured third position in the Full Marathon (Above 50 Category) — an inspiring testament to their shared passion, resilience, and partnership in both life and sport.
An Enduring Inspiration. Mrs Saraswati Rai’s story transcends the boundaries of sport. It is a demonstrative reminder that passion, when coupled with perseverance, can defy time, circumstance, and convention. Her journey from a young bride who set aside her dreams to a marathon champion at an high altitude event is an eloquent narrative of human endurance, discipline, and the triumph of spirit. In every stride she takes, she embodies the essence of resilience — proving that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams, and that true glory belongs to those who refuse to give up.
