Mumbai Marathon: Unlikely Winner Kartik Karkera Sets Sights on 2026 Asian Games
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Mumbai's Kartik Karkera, a 28-year-old orthopaedic surgeon, made a stunning debut in the Tata Mumbai Marathon, claiming the Indian men's title with a timing of 2:19:55. The amateur runner, who trained under coach Vijender Singh, edged out last year's winner Anish Thapa by 13 seconds. Karkera's victory has given him a new goal: qualifying for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. He will next compete in the national marathon championship in New Delhi next month, where he aims to meet the qualification standard of 2:15:04. The Mumbai native's confidence boost is significant, as he has been training to balance his medical career with his passion for running. He has shifted to Nasik to find a better balance between his roles as a doctor and a runner. Karkera's journey began during his medical school days, where he started training on a ground near his hostel. He has since competed in various events, including the 1500m at the senior nationals and the New Delhi half marathon. In a field dominated by elite international and Indian runners, Karkera's win is a testament to his determination and hard work. His unique approach to training, which combines his knowledge of anatomy with his love for running, has helped him stay focused and motivated. The Tata Mumbai Marathon also saw Ethiopian Yeshi Chekole narrowly miss the women's course record, clocking 2:25:13. Tadu Abate won the men's race with a timing of 2:09:55, while Sanjivani Jadhav topped the Indian women's category with a timing of 2:49:02.
