At the age of 76, Tapantosh Chakrabarty has solidified his status as a remarkable figure in the marathon running community, completing an astonishing 70 marathons across all seven continents. Most recently, he etched his name in the history books by becoming the oldest finisher ever to receive five Six-Star Medals from the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication to the sport. With a journey that spans decades and continents, Chakrabarty stands as a beacon of resilience and inspiration.
A Marathon Journey Begins
Chakrabarty’s foray into marathon running was anything but straightforward. His inaugural race in Vancouver in 2000 nearly deterred him from pursuing the sport altogether. Despite feeling good at the halfway mark, the last 10 kilometres became a test of sheer willpower. “I could feel muscles in my legs tightening up,” he recounted from his home in Calgary, where he has lived since immigrating from Bangladesh in 1975. In a moment of sheer agony, he likened his struggle to that of a crab, moving sideways to finish the race.
Yet, despite vowing never to run again, Chakrabarty experienced a change of heart just days later. “After three or four days the pain subsided and I felt good,” he said, igniting a passion that would lead him to run marathons around the globe.
A Life Transformed Through Running
Chakrabarty didn’t take up running until he was 50, initially starting with shorter distances. However, observing the health benefits reaped by fellow colleagues motivated him to push his limits. Over the years, he has tackled the Boston and New York marathons seven times, and the Berlin, London, Chicago, and Tokyo marathons six times each. Remarkably, he completed marathons in both Boston and London just six days apart in 2025, and he has run major marathons in each of the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
His journey has not been without challenges. In 2010, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and in 2015, he faced a significant health scare when doctors discovered a critical artery blockage requiring emergency angioplasty. A nurse’s comment about her relief at not being married to him highlighted the severity of his condition. Yet, undeterred, Chakrabarty continued to run, completing 21 more major marathons since that life-altering moment.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Chakrabarty’s story is not just about running; it’s about the transformative power of perseverance. Born in Matlab, Bangladesh, he faced significant hardships, including the loss of his father to cholera and fleeing his war-torn country in 1971. The journey to safety was fraught with danger, yet it marked the beginning of his academic and professional achievements in Canada, where he earned advanced degrees in chemical engineering and embarked on a successful career with Imperial Oil.
His experiences have enriched his marathon journey, with memorable races including one at the Entabeni Wildlife Safari Conservancy in South Africa, where wildlife officials ensured runners were safe from roaming lions. Another adventure took him to the base camp of Mount Everest, where he acclimatised to the altitude before competing in a race that tested his limits like never before.
“I’m alive because I am running,” he asserts, highlighting the profound impact that this sport has had on his health and wellbeing. His participation in marathons has not only kept him physically active but has also provided him with a sense of purpose and community.
Why it Matters
Chakrabarty’s story resonates on multiple levels; it is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. His dedication to running has inspired countless others, especially in Bangladesh, where he claims to have sparked a running revolution. His journey from hardship to triumph serves not only as motivation for aspiring athletes but also underscores the importance of health, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s passions, regardless of age. As he continues to lace up his running shoes, Chakrabarty embodies the belief that it is never too late to start anew and strive for greatness.
