Madhusmita Jena Aims for Marathon Record in Sari

Madhusmita Jena, a 46-year-old special educational needs teacher and mother of two from Stockport, Greater Manchester, is on a mission to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run in a sari. Scheduled for April 19, 2026, during the Manchester Marathon, Jena aims to complete the race in under three hours and 50 minutes, a time that would surpass the current record of three hours, 57 minutes and seven seconds set by Kranti Salvi from India in September 2018.

Jena's attempt is not merely about setting a record; she also hopes to empower women from all ethnic backgrounds to participate in sports in whatever attire they feel comfortable. "My initial motivation for running in a sari was to represent Indian culture and heritage, but it’s since blossomed into promoting how women can run in whatever makes them feel most comfortable," Jena said.

This will be Jena's 42nd full marathon and her sixth time tackling the Manchester route. She has adapted the way she drapes her six-yard sari to prevent it from catching on her feet, opting for a red and cream hand-loomed sari complemented by a running belt. "When I first started running in a sari, my parents thought I was a bit crazy, but I didn’t realize it would inspire people in India to start running. Since then, I think my parents are obviously very proud," she shared.

Jena's running story began seven months after the birth of her first son when she joined a marathon training group in Dubai. "I found that I spent a lot of time indoors, and so I started running to get out of the house. I actually found giving myself time to do something I enjoy helped me be a more engaged mother," she explained. At the age of 29, she completed her first marathon in Dubai, finishing in an impressive time of three hours and 49 minutes.

Over the years, Jena has become a champion for women's representation in sports. She has advocated for women wearing hijabs to run in Egypt and has inspired 'saree runs' in villages across India. "Achieving this record in England would give me the platform to show British Asians, and by extension, women globally just what they can achieve for themselves," she remarked.

Jena has completed several marathons in a sari, with her fastest time being four hours and 18 minutes at the Berlin Marathon in 2024. To break the current world record, she will need to shave off nearly half an hour from that time. She acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly the weather conditions that could impact her performance. "If it is rainy or windy on the day, that's going to add a huge challenge to it. Last year, it was a heat wave, and I did overheat in six yards of silk," she said.

Balancing her training with work and family life has not been easy, especially as she navigates the effects of peri-menopause on her energy levels. Jena has adapted her training regimen, incorporating interval training instead of just tempo runs to manage her stamina. "As a busy working mum, I find that a mix of early morning running, cross-training, or weight training helps me prepare for the endurance races," she noted.

In addition to her record attempt, Jena is raising funds for an eye gaze device for Heaton School, where she teaches. This device will help students with additional needs, such as those with Cerebral Palsy, control a computer screen with their eye movements. Jena emphasized that this technology would be life-changing for her pupils, allowing them greater independence and access to learning.

Jena's story resonates with many as she prepares for the marathon, embodying the spirit of determination and empowerment. "It’s become part of my life, and I always have a marathon to run because it gives me something to work toward," she said. With her sights set on the record, Jena's participation in the Manchester Marathon is a celebration of culture, resilience, and the pursuit of personal goals.

As the marathon day approaches, the excitement builds not just for Jena but also for the community supporting her. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that boundaries can be broken, and records can be set, regardless of the attire one chooses to wear. Whether she achieves the record or not, Jena's mission to uplift and empower women through running is already a victory in itself.

On April 19, as she steps onto the starting line in her sari, Madhusmita Jena, a woman who is racing against the clock and racing to inspire others to embrace their identities and pursue their passions.