Srinagar, Nov 05: At 5:30 every morning, when much of the city is still waking up, Suhail Ahmad Bhat and his wife Roohi Sultana are already out on the roads, lacing up their running shoes and preparing for another day of miles. For the couple from Tailbal, Srinagar, running is no longer just a fitness activity; it has become a way of life.
Approaching their sixties, the husband-and-wife duo is challenging conventional notions of age and endurance, competing alongside runners decades younger and inspiring others through their consistency and determination. Fondly described as Kashmir’s ‘Marathon Couple’, they have participated in nearly 50 running events across Jammu and Kashmir, turning every race into another opportunity to demonstrate that fitness has no age limit.
From the Kashmir International Marathon and Wular Marathon to the Lidderwat Marathon, Jammu International Marathon, Heerath Marathon in Jammu and Zoon Marathon in Baramulla, the couple have steadily built an impressive running journey.
Their routine is as demanding as it is disciplined. Suhail and Roohi cover between 10 and 12 kilometres every day, beginning their runs at 5:30 am and continuing until around 7 am, before returning to their professional and household responsibilities.
“Our main aim is to remain physically and mentally fit and promote a running culture among the youth. We do not run for medals or publicity. Over the years, running has become an inseparable part of our lives,” Suhail Ahmad says.
For Roohi Sultana, a 56-year-old national award-winning teacher, the journey into long-distance running was neither planned nor something she had imagined for herself.
A homemaker and teacher balancing professional and family responsibilities, she says her life largely revolved around home and school until the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to reconsider her approach to health and fitness.
“I never imagined I would become a runner. My life was confined to home and school, like that of any other teacher,” she recalls.
The transformation began in 2020 when her brother, a doctor, encouraged her to step outdoors and start walking to improve her health. What began with short walks gradually developed into jogging and eventually long-distance running.
“I started with very small walks. Slowly, I increased the distance. Once I understood how much our body needs movement, I decided not to stop,” she says.
The initial enthusiasm soon turned into a disciplined rout
ine. With Suhail’s constant encouragement and companionship, running became a non-negotiable part of their daily schedule, irrespective of weather conditions or professional commitments.
Roohi’s first major encouragement came in 2023 when she participated in a run organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police and secured a position. The achievement proved to be a turning point, strengthening her confidence and convincing her that age was no barrier to pursuing physical challenges.
“That was the moment I realised age does not really matter. When your mind is determined, your body follows,” she says.
Since then, she has participated in numerous running events, including 10-kilometre races, half-marathons and longer road-running competitions alongside her husband.
Her recent participation in the Jammu Marathon, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from young runners and was flagged off in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, further reflected her commitment to the sport.
The couple also participated in the Kashmir Marathon 2026, where their presence emerged as an inspiration for fitness enthusiasts and young participants. Roohi also secured a position in the Eular Marathon held in October, showcasing her stamina and dedication.
For her, however, the real achievement lies beyond podium finishes and trophies.
“I don’t run to compete with 20-year-olds. I run to compete with myself and prove that I can still do it,” she says.
Suhail believes his wife’s journey carries a message much larger than personal achievement. He considers her dedication an example for young people who often struggle to make physical activity part of their everyday lives.
“She runs to remain mentally and physically fit, but also wants to promote a running culture among the youth. If a 56-year-old woman can run every day, what stops young boys and girls from doing the same?” he asks.
Roohi’s routine reflects the discipline behind her achievements. She completes her morning run before school hours, manages her household and professional responsibilities and makes time for stretching and recovery later in the day.
The couple believe that increasing dependence on mobile phones, excessive screen time and declining outdoor activity are affecting the physical fitness and mental resilience of the younger generation.
Roohi says she regularly encourages her students to understand the connection between physical activity and academic well-being.
“A healthy body is necessary for a healthy mind. If I can run at this age, young people can certainly spare at least one hour every day for outdoor games and physical activity,” she says.
At a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing growing efforts to promote sports, fitness and a drug-free society, the journey of Suhail and Roohi offers a compelling example of how individual commitment can inspire wider social change.
Their story is not simply about completing marathons or collecting medals. It is about breaking stereotypes, reclaiming personal health and demonstrating that age need not dictate one’s ambitions.
The couple’s message to the younger generation is simple: replace excessive screen time with physical activity and make fitness a daily habit.
“All we care about is keeping our bodies and minds fit. We want the younger generation to trade screen time for run time because a fit body today will help build a stronger Kashmir tomorrow,” they say.
For Suhail and Roohi, the finish line is never the end of a race. It is merely the beginning of another morning, another run and another opportunity to inspire.
