Men Running Influencers: Titans of Grit, Speed and Endurance!

Men running influencers are more than just athletes—leading from the front; they are mindset shifters and steadfast motivators. From breaking records to tackling challenging ultra-marathons, they demonstrate that limits are meant to be pushed and surpassed. Their raw journeys, unfiltered struggles, and hard-earned victories give rise to chain reactions, pushing runners to strive deeper, run faster, and go further. Whether you are aiming for podiums or personal milestones, these men-running influencers bring passion to the fore, transforming running into an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Dharmveer Singh: The Marathoner with a Military Mindset

To the Running Track

Captain Dharmveer Singh’s transition from the Indian Army to long-distance running and mountaineering is a story of strength. He has earned recognition as a Fit India Ambassador and a Youth Icon Awardee. He has participated in various marathons, including the honour run to commemorate 25 Years of the Kargil War and the Vedanta New Delhi Marathon.

Racing, Mountaineering, and Accomplishments

Capt. Dharmveer, a runner by passion, a mountaineer by choice, and a leader by experience, has spent his life pushing limits, whether in the Army, the corporate world, or the outdoors. Studying in Gorakhpur and Allahabad, his journey took him from a Hindi-medium school to JNU for a degree in Japanese (Hons.), only to pivot toward the ultimate test of endurance—joining the Indian Army. Even after his Short Service Commission, his thirst for challenge never faded. He took on the corporate world, earning a post-graduate degree from NMIMS and excelling in leadership roles for nearly a decade. The mountains called, and so did the open roads—leading him to an active life of ultra-running and mountaineering.

He is acclaimed for hosting the D3 Commando Force, where he led civilian youth through rigorous military-style training to transform them into battle-ready commandos. A certified mountaineer from NIM and an avid marathon runner, he founded the initiatives Force DVS and Apache FM.

Social Media and Motivational Impact

Beyond the mountains and marathons, his journey has been notable. He participated in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, hosted by Akshay Kumar, and Total Wipeout (Zor Ka Jhatka), hosted by Shahrukh Khan. Through Instagram @capt_dvs and YouTube @forcebyCaptDvs, Dharmveer, who is also a TEDx speaker, shares motivational content, fitness tips, and insights.

Avinash Sable: Steeplechase Star Making History

From Mandwa, Maharashtra to the Global Stage

Avinash Sable’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in Maharashtra’s Mandwa, Beed district, he defied all odds to become India’s top 3000m steeplechase runner. His defining moment came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he won silver, breaking Kenya’s long-standing dominance in the event. Avinash also holds the national record in steeplechase and qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Medals, Milestones, and Motivation

• Broke a 37-year-old national record in steeplechase (8:29.80) at the 2018 National Open Championships.
• Set a new national record (8:28.94) at the 2019 Federation Cup, qualifying for the Asian and World Championships.
• First Indian male steeplechaser since Deena Ram to qualify for the World Championships.
• Won silver at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships (Doha).
• Qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
• Set a new national record at the 2020 Delhi Half Marathon (under 61 minutes).
• Won silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
• Earned silver in the 5000m and India’s first-ever gold in men’s steeplechase at the 2022 Asian Games.
• Set multiple national records at the Indian Grand Prix.
• He holds the current national record (8:09.91) set at the 2024 Paris Diamond League (6th place).

On Social Media

On Instagram (@avinash_sable), Avinash shares his training routines, race experiences, and personal milestones.

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

Karan Singh: The Runner Who Trains Champions

A Champion on and off the Track

He is more than just a runner—he mentors India’s future stars. Delhi’s Karan Singh has scouted for Indigenous talent from Jharkhand’s tribal districts using his six years of experience working with foreign trainers in the US. Through the Indian Track Foundation, he is preparing these children to excel as middle and long-distance runners, aiming to secure medals for India in the 2028 LA Olympics and in future competitions.

Personal Achievements and Coaching Legacy

Karan has been a constant figure in the Indian running space. He was the India Country Captain of the Vitality Running World Cup. His coaching methods emphasise discipline, endurance, and strategy, helping many athletes improve their performance. His work with young athletes has helped them break barriers and achieve success. As the founder of the Indian Track Club, he has dedicated himself to coaching and developing young talent.

Building a Running Community Online

Karan is active on Instagram (@coach.karan). His content consists of inspiring posts, training clips, and motivational messages aimed at runners of all levels. His dedication to the sport has made him one of India’s most respected running coaches.

Nitendra Singh Rawat: The Marathon Maverick

Nitendra Singh Rawat, hailing from the mountains of Uttarakhand, is one of India’s best marathon runners. He represented India in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has consistently been among the top performers in the country. In the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he finished 12th in the men’s marathon. He has participated in 10,000-meter and 3000-meter marathons. Known for his relentless training and high-altitude runs, Nitendra has set an example for long-distance runners in India.

Competitions and Honours

• He discovered his passion for the Indian Army in 2006 while marathon running.
• Won gold in the 10,000m at the South Asian Games (Guwahati).
• Won the Ageas Federal Life Insurance New Delhi Marathon.
• Placed 12th in the 2022 Commonwealth Games marathon (2:19:22).
• Represented India at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
• Won the 2019 Tata Mumbai Marathon with a record time of 2:15:48.

On Instagram, under the handle @nitinrawat_olympian, Nitendra shares his training experiences, race day moments, and motivational messages.

Jinson Johnson: Master of Middle-Distance Racing

A Champion’s Journey

Jinson Johnson has emerged as one of India’s finest middle-distance runners. Specialising in the 800m and 1500m events, he has dominated the national circuit and shone on the international stage. His achievements include a gold medal in the 1500m and a silver medal in the 800m at the 2018 Asian Games, and he holds national records in both categories.

Training, Achievements, and Records

Jinson’s relentless training has made him a formidable competitor. His ability to pace himself in tight races and finish strong has led to numerous victories. He has also represented India at the Olympics and was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award.

• Won silver in the 800m at the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships (Wuhan).
• Secured three golds at the 2015 Asian Grand Prix (Thailand).
• Qualified for the 800m at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
• Broke Sriram Singh’s national 800m record (1:45.65) in June 2018.
• Won gold (1500m) and silver (800m) at the 2018 Asian Games.

Social Media Influence

On Instagram, under @jinson__johnson, he shares training insights, competition moments, and personal milestones. His content highlights the discipline needed to succeed in middle-distance running, making him an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Special Mention: Milind Soman’s Running Feats

Though not a competitive athlete, Milind Soman has played a major role in popularising running and fitness in India. Milind is an ultra-marathoner, Ironman triathlete, and fitness icon and has completed some of the toughest endurance events worldwide.

His social media presence is filled with inspiring content encouraging people of all ages to embrace running as a lifestyle. His barefoot runs, extreme fitness challenges, and advocacy for a simple, natural diet have made him a role model for health-conscious individuals across India. He is also an official ambassador for more than one marathon event. Proving age is just a number, he ran forty-two kilometres for the 2023 Sydney Marathon.

The Future of Running Influencers in India

India’s male runners are setting new benchmarks in endurance sports. Whether competing in the Olympics, Asian Games, or marathons worldwide, they showcase relentless dedication and inspire future athletes. The presence of men running influencers on social media bridges the gap between elite sports and grassroots fitness, motivating thousands to embrace running.