22 marathons in four years, this 50-year-old tahsildar’s tale of fitness inspires many

A post-Covid fitness routine adopted in 2021 has transformed Paloncha Tahsildar Dara Prasad into a marathon runner. At 50, he regularly competes in national-level events, balancing a demanding career with disciplined training

Kothagudem: A post-Covid pandemic fitness regime which this revenue officer started four years ago has transformed him into a marathon runner.

At the age of 50, Dara Prasad, who serves as Tahsildar of Paloncha in the district, is now a regular participant in national-level marathons where he challenges his own limits.

The officer dedicates nearly two hours daily in the morning in practice to keep himself agile and ready for future events. He has so far has participated in around 22 marathons and won medals with which he stands as an inspiration to the younger generations.

Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, Prasad, a native of Khammam, said that after the Covid pandemic was over, he started with morning walks at Sardar Patel Stadium in Khammam in 2021.

His colleague in the Revenue Department, Srinivas, and an Armed Reserve constable, Pilli Raju — a seasoned marathoner from Khammam, motivated him to take up running. It eventually made him register for marathon events across the country.

“When I started my walking regime, it was just meant to maintain physical fitness as everyone realised how important it is to be physically fit after the Covid pandemic. I never expected that I would take part in marathons, but the sheer pleasure running gives made me a marathon runner,” Prasad said.

The Tahsildar said that despite his tight work schedule in the department, he manages to take part in marathon events. He recently finished the 42.195-km NMDC Hyderabad Full Marathon. He is now getting ready for the 42.195-km Mumbai Full Marathon scheduled on January 18, 2026.

Prasad said he intends to participate in high altitude Ultra Marathons. He is now focusing on improving fitness levels to participate in 100-km Ultra Marathons in near future. He has participated in Kolkata (25 km), Bengaluru (10 km) and Delhi (21 km) marathons.