At 76 years old, Tapantosh Chakrabarty continues to defy age and expectations, logging countless miles on the pavement with unwavering determination. The Calgary-based long-distance runner, who has completed over 60 marathons, is gearing up for the Tokyo Marathon next weekend, where he aims to secure his fifth "six-star medal"—a feat that would break his own world record.
A Lifetime of Running Achievements
Chakrabarty, originally from Bangladesh, immigrated to Canada in 1975 and has called Calgary home since 1980, aside from a brief stint in Houston. His journey into running began during his time in Houston, where he worked as a petroleum engineer for ExxonMobil. Inspired by colleagues who were avid marathoners, he noticed their glowing skin and relaxed demeanor after runs, prompting him to start jogging at night when temperatures were cooler.
"To me, running is being alive," Chakrabarty said, reflecting on his passion. What started as short jogs evolved into a lifelong pursuit, with his first marathon in Vancouver in 2000, completed in about four hours and 30 minutes. Initially thinking it would be a one-time challenge, he quickly realized he wanted to improve his time and run more races.
The Prestigious Six-Star Medal
The six-star medal is awarded to runners who finish all six original Abbott World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. This medal, featuring a hexagon design with symbols from each race, is considered one of the highest achievements for recreational marathoners worldwide.
As of January 5, Chakrabarty was confirmed by Abbott World Marathon Majors as the oldest runner globally to have earned this medal four times, completing the majors in 2019, 2023, 2024, and 2025. In total, he has run these prestigious events over 30 times.
"If you get one six-star medal, that’s a lifetime goal of a marathon runner," he explained. "I have done four, and three of those in consecutive years. At my age, I am the only one in the world who has done four. When I’ll be doing the fifth, I’ll be breaking my own record."
Impact on Health and Career
Running has not only transformed Chakrabarty's physical health but also boosted his work performance and productivity. After returning to Calgary in 1993, he joined Imperial Oil’s fitness center and set a personal challenge to train for the Vancouver marathon as he approached his 50th birthday. The positive effects were immediate, enhancing both his well-being and professional life.
Now, as he prepares for the Tokyo Marathon, Chakrabarty remains a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His story inspires athletes of all ages, proving that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary goals in the world of marathon running.
