She had no running shoes, but this 47-year-old mother outran trained runners to win prize money for her daughters’ education

For Ramabai Ranveer, the marathon was about much more than crossing a finish line. The 47-year-old mother from Ambajogai in Maharashtra’s Beed district ran barefoot after her slippers began slipping on the muddy track and went on to beat younger participants, winning Rs 3,000 and a trophy. She plans to use the prize money to support her two daughters’ education.

Ranveer took part in the Amrut Daud marathon in Ambajogai, which was organised to mark the 75th anniversaries of educational institutions in the region. She arrived without specialised sportswear or running shoes and initially ran in her everyday saree and slippers.

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Slippers fail, but Ramabai keeps running

The race took an unexpected turn when Ranveer’s slippers started slipping on the muddy, uneven track. Rainwater had collected at several points along the route, making it difficult for her to continue in them.

Rather than abandon the race, she removed the slippers and carried on barefoot.


With the footwear in her hand, Ranveer continued running despite the rough conditions and eventually began moving ahead of the younger competitors around her.

She crossed the finish line first, beating participants who had arrived with running shoes and other equipment. The unlikely victory left the organisers surprised and turned her into the standout participant of the event.

Why the Rs 3,000 prize mattered to her

For Ranveer, the race was not simply about winning a competition. The prize money was tied directly to her responsibility of supporting her daughters’ education.

She works as a domestic cook in Ambajogai and earns a living by working in several households. Her husband has died, leaving her responsible for the family and her daughters’ schooling.

When she heard about the marathon and its Rs 3,000 prize, she decided to participate even though she had no time to prepare as a trained runner.

The amount, modest as it may appear, represented an opportunity to contribute towards textbooks, fees and other educational expenses for her children.

An ordinary saree, an extraordinary finish

Ranveer did not enter the marathon dressed like a professional athlete. She wore her regular saree and slippers, while many of the other participants were younger and had running equipment.

Once her slippers became impractical on the wet track, she chose to continue without them. She eventually found her pace and began overtaking other runners.

By the time she reached the finish line, she was ahead of the younger participants and had won the race.

The organisers then presented her with the Rs 3,000 prize and a trophy.

‘Everything will go towards my daughters’

After her victory, Ranveer was clear about how she intended to use the prize money. She plans to put the entire amount towards the education of her two daughters.

Her journey has attracted attention because of the circumstances in which she entered and won the race. She had no formal athletic preparation or specialised running gear, but continued despite losing the support of her slippers midway through the event.

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Barefoot marathon video moves social media users

A video showing Ranveer running barefoot and ultimately winning the marathon has circulated widely online, with viewers praising her determination and the motivation behind her participation.

“Mother is the greatest warrior in the world, and she proved it,” one person commented.

“This is mother’s love,” another user wrote.

A third added, “Respect to the mother.”

Another commenter said, “The greatest warrior in this world is mother, because she faces every situation alone for her child and family…”

Some users also discussed ways to support Ranveer beyond the prize she won.

“Amazing... is there some way we can help as well? Perhaps start a campaign,” one person suggested.