47-Year-Old Mother Wins Marathon in Saree and Slippers

A 47-year-old mother from Maharashtra’s Beed district has won hearts after winning a marathon while running in a simple saree and ordinary slippers. Ramabai Ranveer, a mother of two from Ambajogai, took part in the ‘Amrit Daud’ marathon organised as part of Amrit Mahotsav celebrations at an educational campus. Unlike most participants, who arrived in sportswear and running shoes, Ramabai joined the race in her everyday attire.

Ramabai lost her husband several years ago and has since been shouldering the responsibility of raising her two daughters. She works as a cook to provide for her family. During the marathon, her slippers broke soon after the race began. Undeterred, she carried the broken slippers in her hands and continued running barefoot. Despite stones hurting her feet and her saree making the run difficult, she refused to give up. She eventually overtook the other participants and won the race, receiving ₹3,000 as prize money. Ramabai said the amount may be small, but it would help pay her daughter’s school fees. Her determination and love for her children have since inspired many people on social media.