Tapantosh Chakrabarty, a remarkable 76-year-old runner based in Calgary, has etched his name in marathon history, recently completing his fifth Tokyo Marathon. With a staggering total of 70 marathons under his belt, he has become the oldest recipient of five Six-Star Medals from the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a testament to his unyielding spirit and dedication to running.
A Rocky Start to Marathon Running
Chakrabarty’s marathon journey began in 2000 at the Vancouver Marathon, an experience that tested his limits. “I felt fine for the first half, but the last 10 kilometres were brutal,” he recalled. Battling severe muscle cramps and fatigue, he finished the race in agony, struggling to walk straight. “I told myself I would never do it again,” he admitted. Yet, the allure of running proved too strong. After a few days of recovery, he found clarity and a renewed sense of purpose.
Originally from Bangladesh, Chakrabarty moved to Canada in 1975. He began running at the age of 50, initially tackling shorter distances. Inspired by colleagues who were reaping health benefits from marathon training, he gradually escalated his ambitions. “I wanted to see how far I could push myself,” he shared, reflecting on how his peers motivated him to set higher goals.
Global Marathon Achievements
Chakrabarty’s commitment to marathon running is nothing short of extraordinary. He has participated in the Boston and New York marathons seven times each, while also completing six runs each in Berlin, London, Chicago, and Tokyo. His local dedication is evident as he has run the Calgary Marathon four times. Notably, he accomplished the Boston and London marathons just six days apart in 2025.
Health challenges have not deterred him. Despite enduring three marathons while battling fever, strep throat, and the flu, he maintained an impressive personal best of 3 hours, 47 minutes, and 13 seconds at the St. George Marathon in Utah back in 2009. His resilience has only been bolstered by overcoming serious health issues, including a diabetes diagnosis in 2010 and a life-threatening 90% arterial blockage that led to an emergency procedure in 2015.
The Journey Beyond Running
Chakrabarty’s life story is as compelling as his marathon achievements. Born in Matlab, where basic amenities were scarce, he faced immense challenges early on. After losing his father to cholera, he and his mother fled Bangladesh during the tumultuous war in 1971, embarking on a perilous journey to safety that lasted two weeks. Their perseverance saw them through hardships, leading to Chakrabarty completing his education at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology before moving to Canada.
In Canada, he excelled in academia, earning a master’s and a PhD from the University of Waterloo, graduating at the top of his cohort in chemical engineering. This success paved the way for a long career with Imperial Oil and Exxon.
His marathon experiences have taken him to extraordinary locations, including a race through the Entabeni Wildlife Safari Conservancy in South Africa, where wildlife officials were present to ensure runners’ safety from roaming lions. He also tackled a race starting from Mount Everest’s first base camp, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.
Running for Health and Inspiration
Chakrabarty’s motivations extend beyond personal achievement. “I’m alive because I am running,” he stated emphatically, recognising the profound healing properties of the sport. Even during bouts of illness, he found that running provided immediate relief from his symptoms. His journey has inspired many back in Bangladesh, where he reports a burgeoning marathon culture. “I have started a revolution. Fifteen years ago, there was not a single marathon there,” he noted, proudly acknowledging the growth of running events in his homeland.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sport.
Why it Matters
Tapantosh Chakrabarty’s journey represents more than mere athletic achievement; it embodies hope and resilience. His life illustrates how perseverance can conquer adversity, inspiring individuals to push beyond their limits. As he continues to set new benchmarks in marathon running, his legacy encourages others to pursue health and wellness through physical activity, reinforcing the idea that age is no barrier to achieving great things.
