Girja Shankar Dixit
Shivnath Singh stands as one of the greatest long-distance runners in Indian history, yet his legacy remains underappreciated outside athletic circles. Born on July 11, 1946, in Majharia village, Buxar, Bihar, Singh’s journey from humble beginnings to national icon is a story of extraordinary grit and determination.
Growing up in a family with limited means, Singh initially took up running as a pathway to employment in the Indian Army. He joined the Bihar Regiment, where his raw talent and relentless work ethic quickly set him apart. Running barefoot, he began to dominate national long-distance events, eventually rising to the rank of Naib Subedar.
Singh’s international career began at the 1973 Asian Championships in the Philippines, where he won silver medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events. He repeated this feat at the 1975 Asian Championships in Seoul, South Korea. In between, he clinched gold in the 5,000m and silver in the 10,000m at the 1974 Tehran Asian Games, earning the prestigious Arjuna Award for his achievements.
After 1975, Singh shifted focus to the marathon, seeking greater success on the continental stage. His international marathon debut at the 1976 Montreal Olympics saw him finish 11th with a time of 2:15:58—a remarkable achievement given the era and his minimal resources. In 1978, he set a national marathon record in Jalandhar, clocking 2:12:00—a record that stands unbroken in India to this day.
Singh’s career was marked by perseverance against adversity. He ran barefoot, often taping his feet to endure the rigors of training and racing. Despite limited support and resources, his discipline and resilience made him a role model for generations of Indian athletes. He competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics but was forced to drop out of the marathon event.
Singh passed away in 2003 at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy that is celebrated by athletes but remains largely unknown to the wider public. In his honor, Runner’s Day is observed on July 11, encouraging participation in long-distance running and celebrating the sport’s heroes.
Shivnath Singh’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit. From rural Bihar to the Olympic stage, his achievements—especially his unbeaten marathon record—continue to inspire Indian runners. Singh’s life reminds us that greatness can emerge from the most modest beginnings, and his legacy deserves a prominent place in the annals of Indian sports.
