Running has always been my passion. From the time I was a child, dashing barefoot along the banks of the Kamla River in Nepal, the rhythm of my feet pounding the earth and the thrill of movement were inseparable from who I was. The wind in my hair, the earth beneath me – it was freedom.
However, in 2008, life threw me a curveball. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The diagnosis was devastating, and the journey that followed was filled with pain, uncertainty, and fear. But with successful surgery, immense determination, and the unshakable support of my family and friends, I overcame this life-threatening challenge.
Yet, as I stood at the other side of recovery, I knew my mission wasn’t over. I wanted to give back, to do something bigger than myself. I set my eyes on the Everest Marathon in 2023, aiming to run the world’s highest marathon while raising funds for Cancer Research UK. This goal was not just about running; it was about honoring the journey I had already walked and raising awareness for those who were still fighting.
But fate wasn’t finished with me yet. Just as I was preparing to take on Everest, I was struck by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare and debilitating illness. It paralyzed me. I found myself unable to walk, talk, or breathe without assistance. My world shrank to the sterile walls of the Intensive Care Unit at Wycombe Hospital.
For nearly two months, I was in ICU, receiving care that would later prove to be the key to my recovery. The dedication and love from my medical team and the unrelenting support of my family gave me the strength to persevere. Slowly, through sheer will and countless hours of rehabilitation, I regained control over my body. I returned home and began to rebuild my life, one step at a time.
Gradually, I returned to the thing that has always been my solace—running. The journey to recovery wasn’t just physical; it was emotional and spiritual as well. Running once again became my therapy, my expression of gratitude for life, and a reminder of how far I had come.
My last marathon was the TCS London Marathon in April 2024. But this journey isn’t just about me crossing finish lines—it’s about using my passion for running to give back to others.
My Marathon Journey
Over the years, running marathons has become more than just a challenge—it’s become a way for me to push beyond personal limits and raise awareness for causes close to my heart. Here are some of the marathons I’ve completed since I began my marathon journey:
- London Marathon: All marathons from 2019 until now
- Boston Marathon: 2022
- Berlin Marathon: 2018 & 2022
- Chicago Marathon: 2019
Each race was not just about crossing a finish line—it was about honoring my journey, pushing through physical and emotional limits, and doing it for a purpose greater than myself.
The Road Ahead
Now, I’m about to embark on a new marathon journey. It all begins at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, the first in a series that will take me through seven marathons across Nepal. I’ll start in Pokhara and finish in East Nepal, with future marathons in 2025 in London, Sydney, and New York.
But these marathons aren’t just personal milestones—they are part of something bigger.
This journey is about more than just running. It’s about community. It’s about resilience. It’s about using whatever platform we have to make a difference in the lives of others.
Join Me in This Journey
Your support is critical in turning this novel cause into a reality. Whether it’s through donations, sharing the message, or simply sending words of encouragement, every action helps move the needle forward. Every mile I run, every race I complete, is a reminder that no obstacle is insurmountable when we work together. It’s a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the power of unity.
If you would like to sponsor this mission or learn more about how you can support my journey, please feel free to reach out to me directly at pandav73@gmail.com.
As I lace up my shoes for each marathon ahead, I will be carrying not only my own dreams but the hopes of those who need a helping hand. Let’s make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Let’s continue this journey of resilience, love, and generosity—together.
Join me in making this mission a reality. Every step counts.
Pandav Mahto | Nepal | High Wycombe, UK
