Anita and Nupur Janu: The Marathon Champions from Jaipur
In Jaipur, Rajasthan, a mother-daughter duo, Anita and Nupur Janu, have turned their fitness journey into an inspiring marathon success story. Anita, a 50-year-old, began running in 2015 to lose weight. Her first race in Jaipur ignited a passion that led her to participate in numerous marathons. She is now preparing for her 8th consecutive Delhi Half Marathon.
Nupur, a 27-year-old senior consultant in Gurugram, was inspired by her mother’s dedication. She has completed 18 half marathons, 9 full marathons, and the challenging Ironman Kalmar in Sweden, becoming the youngest Indian to finish the race. Nupur’s first marathon in Jaipur saw her accidentally come in first place, and she hasn’t looked back since.
The Delhi Half Marathon holds a special place for the Janu family, as they participate together every year. In 2022, Anita and Nupur made history by becoming the first mother-daughter duo to finish the Comrades Ultramarathon in South Africa, celebrating its 100th year.
Their journey has taught them valuable life lessons, including humility, mental strength, and patience. Anita advises young people in India to stay active for their mental and physical well-being, emphasizing the positive changes it can bring to one’s life.
Doubts Revealed
Marathon -: A marathon is a long-distance running race that is 42.195 kilometers (about 26.2 miles) long. It is a test of endurance and stamina.
Jaipur -: Jaipur is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is also known as the ‘Pink City’ because many of its buildings are pink.
Rajasthan -: Rajasthan is a state in northern India known for its deserts, palaces, and vibrant culture.
Half marathon -: A half marathon is a running race that is half the distance of a full marathon, which means it is 21.0975 kilometers (about 13.1 miles) long.
Ironman Kalmar -: Ironman Kalmar is a triathlon event held in Kalmar, Sweden. It includes swimming, cycling, and running over long distances.
Comrades Ultramarathon -: The Comrades Ultramarathon is a very long running race held in South Africa. It is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) long and is one of the oldest and largest ultramarathons in the world.
Mental and physical well-being -: Mental and physical well-being means being healthy in both your mind and body. It includes feeling good, having energy, and being able to do daily activities without problems.