Runner with a Purpose - Sadiya Sayyad

Author's note

For years, we ran the same route, exchanging nothing more than a quick good morning wave. I followed her achievements online, admiring her quiet strength and humble presence from a distance. There was something about her energy, steady, grounded, and inspiring, that drew me in. I knew her story belonged in Run Chronicles. And last Sunday, over coffee at a cozy neighborhood café, I finally sat down to hear it from her directly.

There are many runners out there, but very few who run with true purpose. She is one of those rare ones, an ultrarunner whose journey is as extraordinary as it is meaningful. She doesn’t run for medals alone; she runs for a cause, for her community, and for her country.

Her achievements speak for themselves:

•Completed 100 miles in the Solo Run for Unity supporting girls’ education, an official India Book of Records attempt.

• Honored as the MahaRunner of Pune by the Lokmat Maha Marathon Family.

• Podium finisher in a 24-hour stadium run, covering an incredible 180.8 km in 2024.

• Completed the TATA Ultra 35 km hill marathon in under 4 hours

.• Second Runner Up at Apla Pune (21 km).

• Winner of the Apla Pune Cyclothon, Women’s Elite 55 km.

From conquering the Lokmat Maha Marathon circuit to riding and running for causes like Pedal to End Polio, to completing more than 40 official marathons, her journey goes far beyond personal triumphs. She has even taken her passion to the international stage, including the legendary Comrades Marathon, one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

A powerful athlete. A compassionate human being. An inspiration to runners across the country.

Sadiya Sayyad is a true advocate of women's empowerment who believes deeply that education is the key that opens countless opportunities for girls, a belief she carries with pride and purpose.

I had the privilege of a heartfelt, insightful conversation with her, and I am thrilled to share it with you. Please pass it on to the young girls who need a spark of inspiration, because it is rare to find someone who genuinely walks the talk.

Please follow the YouTube link ( https://youtu.be/jwuHsSrsaFw?si=Xi6nTmvlY3ii75C5 )below to watch the full conversation.

And for those who love to read, continue scrolling below 😊

Running is my stress relief, my teacher, and my daily therapy.”

Q: What does running mean to you? Running, for me, is therapeutic. It helps relieve stress, clears my mind, and constantly teaches me how to deal with challenges, just like the ones life throws at us every single day.  resilience.

From 3 km to Ultra: The Journey Begins

Q: How did ultra-running happen?

I started running in 2019 with just 3 km. Then I progressed to 10 km, 21 km, and after every race, I would ask myself, What's next? That mindset pushed me to attempt a full marathon, and again, the same question followed. That’s how I entered the world of ultra-running, constantly challenging myself and discovering how far I can go.

Running for a Cause: Why Girls’ Education Matters

Q: You often run for causes. How do you choose them? Education changed my life. My parents always prioritized studies, and I’ve seen how it transformed my life and my siblings’ lives. I come from a small town 20 km from Baramati, yet because of my education, people often assume I’m from Pune. Education shaped my personality, communication, and confidence.

That’s why I run for women’s and girls’ education; it’s deeply personal.

NGOs and the Joy of Giving Back

Q: Are you associated with any NGO?

I usually collaborate with NGOs focused on women's empowerment through CSR initiatives at my workplace. One organization especially close to my heart is Maharshi Stree Shikshan Sanstha (MKSSS), Karve Nagar. When I ran from Mumbai to Pune, the young girls from the NGO ran alongside me. Their excitement and their belief in what I was doing were incredibly touching. Moments like those remind me why I run.

Women are the pillars of every family. Having seen my own mother face challenges with strength, I feel committed to supporting women's empowerment whenever I get an opportunity.

Preparing the Ultra Mindset

Q: Let’s talk about your preparation and mindset for ultra-running.

Peak training is extremely demanding. When a friend suggested I attempt the India Book of Records by running from Mumbai to Pune, I was shocked….I hadn’t even completed a full marathon then!

With guidance from my mentor, Kishore Dhankude sir, I began preparing seriously. We eventually chose Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti as the date, a powerful day to run for unity and girls’ education.

Training mileage gradually increased from 60–70 km to 120–150 km per week. Peak weeks were tough as they meant minimal recovery time, long hours, and a mental battle.

But I keep my mindset simple:

• Follow the plan

• Focus on hydration and nutrition

• Prepare all gear beforehand

• And use negative counting during long runs:

  If I’m running 6 hours, I tell myself “Just 5 hours left… just 3 hours left,” instead of thinking about how much is remaining.

Once the basics are ready, half the battle is already won.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ultra-Running

Do’s:

• Maintain a proper hydration plan

• Track your electrolyte and carb intake

• Check your gear and avoid new equipment on long runs

Don’ts:

• Don’t skip hydration to save time; many runners make this mistake

• Don’t ignore nutrition; know your hourly carb needs

Food and Fuel on the Run

Q: What’s your go-to fuel during ultras?

Anything that gives good carbs, for example, gels, sweet potato, bananas, oranges, bread, and jam.

During major events, I even enjoy pizza or vada pav for a change of taste!

My most impactful drink is this Electoral powder + Glucon D combination, a simple yet powerful formula I learned from my mentors.

The Run Closest to Her Heart

Q: Which ultra event is closest to your heart?

My 2022 run for unity and girls’ education. The smile on the girls’ faces made everything worth it. If even one girl out of a thousand gets inspired by my 160 km run, that’s my true achievement.

Why Mumbai to Pune?

A lot of people ask me this question because Pune to Mumbai is considered easier due to the downhill elevation. But our thought process was different. Since I am from Pune, I wanted to finish my run in my hometown so people could come, meet me, and celebrate the moment together.

And secondly, I wanted the challenge. The 800m climb at Khandala was something I genuinely wanted to take on—and overcoming that elevation made the journey even more meaningful.

Looking Ahead: Big Goals and Bigger Dreams

Q: What are your future plans?

I plan 2–3 years ahead. Representing India in the 24-hour stadium run was one of the proudest moments of my life. Holding the national flag is a feeling beyond words. It was one of my most cherished moments.

My goal is to do well in the Asian Championship and encourage more runners to take up 50 km and 100 km events. With six men and six women getting selected, it’s a great opportunity to set national records.

If She Had 24 More Hours…

Recovery comes first! After that, I’d love to learn more, especially about nutrition. I want to travel, explore new running events, and meet new people. Travel teaches you so much, and I don’t get enough time for it right now.

A Celebrity Pacer?

“All my running partners are celebrities,” she smiles.

Anyone who runs with her and supports her journey is already special.

A Memorable Moment: Conquering Water Fear

One unforgettable incident happened during my Ironman training. Swimming in Vir Dam was part of the routine, but I had a phobia of deep water. I would only swim up to 500 meters, just far enough that my feet could still touch the ground.

My mentors and friends would tease me, saying I’d only ever see the water tank in photos because I’d never make it all the way there. They even clicked a picture of the tank and showed it to me as a joke! 😄

But that actually motivated me. And by God’s grace, I got a new swimsuit just before the event. It gave me better buoyancy and helped me float with confidence. With that extra boost, I kept swimming, pushed through my fear, and eventually reached the water tank.

The entire Ironman experience was memorable, but this moment, overcoming my deepest fear, remains one of my most cherished memories.

Ironman Again?

It was a bucket-list achievement, and I have completed it. I may attempt it again in 3–4 years to improve my timing, but for now, it’s not the focus.

A Day in My Life

I plan everything in advance, from my groceries to my training schedule. I work for nine hours a day, and after work I always try to learn something new. I make sure to sleep early, around 10:30 pm, and I wake up at 5:30 am. This routine keeps me disciplined and helps me recover well.

Running With Purpose

My journey isn’t just about distance, endurance, or medals; it’s about purpose. I want to inspire young girls, give back to society, and show that with determination, anyone can rewrite their story.

Runner - Sadiya Sayyad Pune