Age is often seen as a barrier to physical fitness, but for Jayant Soni, it is merely a number. At 95, he is the oldest participant in the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s senior citizen category, proving that endurance and determination know no limits. His story is not just about running; it is about resilience, lifelong discipline, and the relentless pursuit of good health.

A Late Start That Became a Lifelong Commitment

Unlike most marathon runners who begin training early in life, Soni took up running at the age of 85. It all started as a casual decision when his friends at the Lions Club decided to participate in Mumbai’s most prestigious marathon. What began as a fun challenge soon transformed into an annual tradition, a way for him to measure his own endurance and strength.

However, Soni’s fitness journey began long before he donned his running shoes. Raised in Mandvi, a coastal town in Gujarat, he was introduced to physical activity early on, learning to swim at the age of ten. Despite limited resources, his determination led him to master swimming in a well, a common practice in his time. This passion for fitness stayed with him through the years, shaping his lifestyle even as he moved to Mumbai at 20 to study photography.

The Foundation of His Fitness

A disciplined life has been the backbone of Soni’s incredible endurance. Even today, his day begins with a swim at 6 AM, a habit he has maintained for decades. This unwavering commitment to fitness, combined with a healthy lifestyle, has kept him active and mentally sharp. His professional journey, too, is as remarkable as his fitness story. After covering high-profile weddings as a photographer and later pioneering the manufacturing of electronic studio flashlights, Soni never let work deter him from his daily exercise routine.

The Annual Marathon: A Test of Strength and Willpower

The Tata Mumbai Marathon is more than just a race—it is a celebration of fitness and community spirit. Every year, thousands of participants from across the world gather to push their physical limits. For Soni, this marathon is his personal checkpoint, a way to assess whether he still has what it takes. He likens it to an exam—an opportunity to test himself and see if he can still pass.

“The first time I ran, I found it easy, and that’s why I kept coming back,” Soni shares. Even as physical challenges arise, his mental resilience keeps him going. He firmly believes that self-doubt has no place in his journey. “If someone says I can’t do it, I silence their voice with my own—’I can do it, I can do it.'”

The Secret to Longevity and Strength

Soni’s approach to health is refreshingly simple—stay active, eat clean, and embrace challenges. He follows a disciplined diet, avoiding meat, alcohol, smoking, and even cold drinks. But what truly sets him apart is his consistency. “Fitness isn’t about age—it’s about commitment,” he emphasizes.

Beyond fitness, Soni has always kept himself engaged in intellectual pursuits. An avid collector of stamps, coins, and antiques for over 80 years, he recently sold most of his collection but remains as curious and enthusiastic as ever.

Looking Ahead: No Plans to Slow Down

Even after crossing yet another marathon milestone, Soni has no intention of slowing down. There is no concept of retirement in his vocabulary—just an eagerness to continue his daily routine, both in fitness and in life. For him, every new day is an opportunity to push forward, to challenge himself, and to inspire those around him.

At 95, Jayant Soni proves that life doesn’t stop with age—it only gets stronger with determination. As he laces up his running shoes for another year, his story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and an unbreakable spirit.