At a recent function, WZO (India) felicitated 68-year-old ultra marathon runner – Pervin Batliwala. WZO (India) President – Kersi Limathwalla informed this was in continuation to the organisation’s commitment to recognize achievers in the community.

Having started her journey as a runner in 2006, Pervin has achieved much in a short time. She has run cross-country – participating in half, full and ultra marathons, from Ladakh to Auroville, with podium finishes in her category. Internationally, she has participated in all six major marathons of Boston, London, New York, Berlin, Chicago and Tokyo.

One of the highlights of her achievements include the ‘Comrades Marathon’, the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race, comprising 88 kms, run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. She completed this ultramarathon in a continuous run of 11 hours, 34 minutes and 57 seconds. Yet another remarkable feat is the Khardungla ultramarathon in Ladakh, where she completed the 72 kms run in 13 hours and 15 minutes.

She has indeed done our community and country proud and is an inspiration for both – the young and old. Her experiences and achievements have proven exemplary in encouraging one and all, especially the elderly, to think young and sustain physical activity to keep fit, as she believes, age is just a number! Kudos to Pervin!