A 47-year-old mother in India has captured public attention after winning a local marathon while running barefoot, with her eyes set on using the prize money to support her daughters’ education.
Ramabai Ranveer, a domestic cook and sole breadwinner from Ambajogai in Maharashtra’s Beed District, reportedly outran younger competitors to emerge winner of the Amrut Daud marathon despite having no running shoes, sportswear or formal athletic training.
Ranveer entered the race wearing her everyday saree and a pair of slippers, hoping to win the ₹3,000 prize to help keep her two daughters in school.
However, midway through the race, her slippers began slipping on the muddy and uneven track. Rather than abandon the competition, the mother removed them and continued running barefoot.
Her determination paid off as she overtook younger participants, many of whom were equipped with proper running gear, to cross the finish line first.
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Ranveer, whose husband is dead, works as a domestic cook in several homes to provide for her family and ensure her daughters continue their education.
For the mother, the marathon prize was more than a reward for winning a race. The money represented school fees, textbooks and other educational needs for her children.
The race was organised as part of activities marking the 75th anniversaries of educational institutions in the Ambajogai area.
Videos of Ranveer running barefoot in her saree have since attracted widespread attention online, with many social media users praising her determination and sacrifice.
After receiving the ₹3,000 prize and a trophy, Ranveer reportedly said the money would be devoted entirely to her daughters’ education.
Her remarkable victory has since become a symbol of resilience and a mother’s determination to secure a better future for her children.
