A Chat with celebrated septuagenarian marathon runner Kmoin Wahlang from Meghalaya

Kmoin Wahlang, a 77-year-old marathon runner hailing from Meghalaya, is redefining the perception of ageing. Born in 1948, she dedicated decades to raising 12 children and subsequently mentoring 54 grandchildren. Following a struggle with severe stomach problems after her last childbirth, she took up walking, which gradually evolved into running. "Running provided me with what no physician could. It healed me," she reflects. Spotted by RunMeghalaya, Kmoin progressed from local competitions to participating in Pinkathon, SBI Go Green, Tata Mumbai Marathon, and even represented India at the 2024 Pan Pacific Masters Games in Australia. In spite of facing mockery from her community, she has completed over 40 marathons, training every day at 4 am while managing farming duties and caring for her husband, who is paralyzed. Her journey transcends marathons; it embodies resilience, passion, and the assertion that age does not impose a limit on achievement.