Fast, Fierce, and Fearless: India’s Women Running Influencers

Running is more than just a race to the finish line, it’s a test of willpower and determination. For many women in India, stepping onto the track is more than just a sport; it’s a statement. They are pushing limits, smashing records, and proving that women belong in every space, including the gruelling world of long-distance and sprint running. From teenage prodigies to ultra-marathon record holders, these women running influencers are not just winning medals, they’re using social media to inspire thousands, sharing their journeys, training regimens, and personal triumphs.

Let’s meet five extraordinary women running influencers who are leading the charge in the Indian running scene and athletics—

Pooja Bishnoi: The 13-Year-Old Running Sensation

Speed, Strength, and Six-Pack Abs

Most kids her age are still figuring out school and hobbies, but Pooja Bishnoi is already setting records on the track. At just 13, this Jodhpur-born runner and fast bowler has already made headlines for her blistering speed and intense dedication. She first grabbed attention at six when she completed a 10 km marathon in just 48 minutes—a feat many adults would struggle with. To add to her impressive list of achievements, she became one of the youngest athletes to develop a well-defined six-pack at the age of five, proving that discipline and hard work know no age.

Medals, Milestones, and Motivation

• Completed 10 km in 48 minutes at age six for a Jodhpur Marathon.
• Multiple national and state-level medals in long-distance running.
• Supported by the Virat Kohli Foundation since 2019.
• At the All India IPSC athletics tournament 2024 at Nabha Punjab, she set a 3000M New Meet Record in under-19.
• Won gold medals in 3000m, 1500m, 800m, 4km cross county.
• Silver medal in Rajasthan State Athletics championship.
• At just 8 years old, Pooja Bishnoi completed a 3 km race in a noteworthy time of 12 minutes and 50 seconds. Today, she has further honed her skills, finishing the same distance in an inspirational 10 minutes and 50 seconds.

Inspiring Through Social Media

Pooja’s Instagram (@poojabishnoi36) and YouTube (@PoojaBishnoi36) are goldmines for young athletes. She shares her training routines, fitness tips, and race-day moments, proving that dreams are built with sweat and dedication.

Ayesha Billimoria: Sprint Queen Turned Mentor

From Fastest Girl to Fitness Guru

Ayesha Billimoria once ruled the 200m track as India’s fastest sprinter, winning national championships three years in a row. But her influence didn’t stop when she left competitive racing. Today, she’s among India’s most sought-after fitness trainers and running coaches. She spent 17 years representing Maharashtra at national events, leading by example with her explosive speed and impeccable technique. In 2016, she launched her social venture called Project Fitgirl, which focuses on educating young children in government schools and rural areas of India.

Records, Recognition, and Beyond

• Three-time national 200m champion (2001-2003).
• Certified Core Pilates Instructor Reebok.
• Biomechanics specialist and Athletics coach.
• Represented Maharashtra for 17 consecutive years in the 100mtrs, 200mtrs, and 400 meters races.
• Founded the One Track Fitness and Athletic Club in Mumbai.
• Adidas Runners Mumbai Head Coach and Mentor.
• Author of Run!: The Ultimate Mind-Body Fitness Guide.

A Digital Coach for Aspiring Runners

Through her Instagram (@fitgirl.india) and website Fitgirl India, Ayesha shares sprinting techniques, injury prevention tips, and workout routines. Ayesha is a TEDx and keynote speaker at the World Zoroastrian Congress. She advocates empowering young women in India, encouraging them to become confident, independent, and leaders in their chosen fields. Her abilities go beyond athletics; her resolve, dedication, and work ethic have made her one of India’s leading fitness personalities, models, trainers, and a valued coach to many aspiring followers and learners.

Harmilan Bains: Record-Breaking Middle-Distance Runner

Born to Run, Trained to Win

Some athletes are made, and some are born—Harmilan Bains is both. Coming from a family of athletes, running is in her blood. The track athlete, specialising in middle-distance races, has repeatedly proven that she belongs among the best.

At the 2015 U18 Ranchi National Championships, she bagged silver in the 800m and 1500m events, marking her arrival on the big international stage. She followed that up with a bronze in the 1500m at the 2016 Asian Junior Championships, proving her consistency in high-pressure races.

Pushing Limits, Setting Records

• Silver medalist in the 800m at the Indian Grand Prix.
• Silver medalist in the 800m and 1500m at the U18 National Championships.
• Bronze medalist in the 1500m at the Asian Junior Championships.
• National record holder in the 1500m.
• In 2020, she won gold medals in the 1500m and 800m events at the Khelo India University Games.
• In 2023, she achieved silver medals in the 1500m and 800m events at the Inter-State Athletics Championships held in Bhubaneswar.
• In 2023, Harmilan won the silver medal in the 1500m event at the 2022 Asian Games, which were held in Hangzhou, China.

You can find Harmilan on Instagram @the_.queeen_.

Manjeet Kaur: The 400m Powerhouse

A Sprinter Who Made History

Manjeet Kaur is a name that will always be remembered in Indian athletics. A specialist in the 400m, she holds the national record for the event with a staggering time of 51.05 seconds—a record she set in 2004 in Chennai at the National Circuit Athletic Meet. She was also part of India’s 4x400m relay team at the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Olympics. Her dominance in the 400m didn’t go unnoticed, earning her the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2005.

Achievements That Speak for Themselves

• National record holder in the 400m (51.05 sec, 2004).
• Represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• Won 3 gold and 1 silver at the Asian Games.
• She has won 4 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals at Asian Grand Prix.
• During the 2006 Doha Asian Games, Manjeet guided India to victory in the 4 x 400 metres relay, securing the gold medal.
• She also finished second and won silver in the women’s 400-meter race at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
• Manjeet Kaur, along with Sini Jose, Mandeep Kaur, and Ashwini Akkunji, won the gold medal in the 4×400 m relay event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Still Inspiring Runners Today

Though she has retired from professional racing, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Punjab Police, Manjeet continues to inspire young athletes and share her experiences on Instagram (@manjeet_kaur_400m), proving that once a runner, always a runner.

Also Read: YouTubers Bring Laughter on Kaun Banega Crorepati

Sufiya Sufi: The Ultra-Runner Who Never Stops

From Airports to Ultra-Marathons

Sufiya Sufi wasn’t always a runner. She was once part a Ground Officer in Aviation before putting on her running shoes. After leaving her job in 2017, Sufiya ran from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as part of her quest. When she started running, she didn’t just stop at marathons, she took on ultra-distances, smashing multiple Guinness World Records along the way.

Achievements That Defy Limits

• First female runner to finish the Manali to Leh Ultramarathon in 2021.
• Set the Guinness record in 2019 for the fastest Kashmir to Kanyakumari run (87 days, 2 hours, 17 minutes).
• Holds the 2021 Guinness record for the fastest female to complete the Golden Quadrilateral (6002 km in 110 days, 23 hours, 24 minutes).
• Fastest female to run Manali to Leh (485 km in 6 days, 12 hours, 6 minutes).
• Recognized by Guinness for fastest north-to-south run across Qatar (200 km in 30 hours, 31 minutes).
• Holds the 2018 Guinness record for Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year by a Woman.

Sufiya’s Instagram (@sufiyasufirunner) and YouTube (@SufiyaandVikasWorld) take followers on her journey of extreme endurance, mental strength, and world-record attempts.

The feature of women running influencers cannot conclude without the mention of Taru Mateti!

Most runners begin their journey in their youth, but Taru Mateti defied convention. She laced up her running shoes at 49, proving that passion and perseverance know no age. Over the past few years, she has participated in over 100 races, including ultramarathons and the challenging Comrades Marathon. Notably, she completed the 90.2 km Comrades Marathon. Taru’s dedication and endurance have earned her over 75 podium finishes across categories. Her ability to push past limits has made her one of India’s most respected runners. Through her journey, she inspires people to challenge their limits, embrace fitness, and never stop chasing new goals.

Conclusion: Women Running Influencers Shaping the Future of Indian Athletics

Each of these women running influencers has made a lasting impact on the Indian running scene. As more young girls take up running, they stand as role models, showing that the path may be challenging but the rewards are worth every step. The future of women’s running in India looks bright.