Tripura-born endurance athlete Sharbari Debnath won the gold medal in the 21-kilometre Ladakh Marathon in her age category after competing at an altitude of around 11,500 feet, marking a major achievement in her running journey that began in December 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Sharbari Debnath won gold in the 21-km Ladakh Marathon in her age category.
- The Tripura-born athlete began competitive running only in December 2024.
- She now targets bigger marathons and hopes to represent Tripura one day.
Standing on the podium in Ladakh, Sharbari Debnath struggled to hold back her tears. The gold medal brought back memories of long training sessions, early-morning runs and the support of her family.
After completing the 21-kilometre race and finishing first in her age category, she felt that her hard work had finally paid off.
“I did it,” she told herself at that moment.
Sharbari, a daughter of Tripura, now lives in Jaipur. She has spent years balancing family responsibilities with entrepreneurship. Over the past two years, she has added another identity to her life — endurance athlete.
Although she competed under Jaipur, her connection with Tripura remains strong.
“I am a daughter of Tripura. It is my dream to represent Tripura in a marathon one day,” she said.
Gold at 11,500 Feet
The Ladakh Marathon tested Sharbari’s physical endurance and mental strength. The race took place at around 11,500 feet above sea level.
The high altitude meant lower oxygen levels than on the plains. The 21-kilometre distance added to the challenge.
Sharbari said disciplined and proper training helped her secure the top position in her age category.
For her, the Ladakh victory reflects the importance of preparing both the body and the mind for endurance events.
Running Journey Began in December 2024
Sharbari began running only in December 2024. Her son inspired her to take the first step.
She often listened to him describe his daily running experiences after returning home. One day, she wondered whether she could also participate in running events.
The question soon became a commitment.
Sharbari had only a limited association with sports during her school years. She would generally participate in one event during annual sports competitions.
Her interest in fitness developed later after she moved to Jaipur. She started strength training at a gym and eventually opened her own gym.
There, she watched women train in mixed martial arts, or MMA. The sessions sparked her interest in the sport.
She trained in MMA for nearly two years before taking up boxing.
Running followed.
“From the beginning, I felt a different kind of energy while running,” she said.
Early-morning running has now become part of her daily routine.
From First Podium to HYROX
Sharbari reached the podium in her first official running competition. She ran across different surfaces, including muddy tracks, forest stretches and concrete roads.
The experience gradually strengthened her confidence.
She later entered HYROX, which combines running with functional fitness. In her first HYROX competition, she finished second in her age category.
The event included eight kilometres of running and eight functional fitness stations.
Among the major challenges were pulling a 78-kilogram weight and completing 100 wall balls with a six-kilogram ball.
Fatigue tested her during the event, but she never considered stopping. Her focus remained on completing the challenge.
Fitness, Family and Business
Running is only one part of Sharbari’s daily life. She also manages her family and her gym business.
She started the gym as a hobby around two-and-a-half years ago. It now has four trainers, a Zumba instructor and another staff member.
She provides regular salaries and additional financial support to her employees.
For Sharbari, success does not mean personal income alone.
“Earning for oneself is a success, but creating employment opportunities for others is also a success for me,” she said.
A strict routine helps her balance family, business, running and boxing. Her family’s support also remains a major source of strength.
Her son has played a particularly important role in her fitness journey.
Endurance Starts in the Mind
Sharbari considers mental strength one of her biggest assets. She believes endurance develops in the mind as well as the body.
She therefore gives importance to training, diet, sleep and mental preparation.
She also believes age should not prevent anyone from starting a new sporting journey.
Her running circle includes people between 60 and 80 years old. Some began running only after retirement.
Their example has strengthened her belief that there is no fixed age to start running.
Bigger Goals Ahead
Sharbari now plans to compete in bigger marathons and endurance events in India and abroad over the next two years.
But her most personal ambition remains connected to Tripura.
She wants to represent the state in a marathon one day.
The Ladakh gold has added a significant milestone to a running career that began less than two years ago. For Sharbari, however, the medal represents another beginning rather than an ending.
Her journey from strength training and MMA to boxing, running and HYROX continues.
And the road ahead remains long.