Meet NS Dattatreya, 96, the oldest participant at TCS World 10K Bengaluru 2024

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Garden City Bengaluru is preparing for the renowned Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) World 10K, scheduled for Sunday (April 28). There is always anticipation in the southern city for this prestigious 10K race which sees participation of long-distance athletes from across the globe.

Amidst the throngs of diverse runners eagerly awaiting the event, one individual stands out with fervour.

Meet NS Dattatreya, a 96-year-old enthusiast of long-distance running, who consistently demonstrates the adage that age is but a number. Embarking on his running journey in January 2019, this nonagenarian has traversed numerous marathons and walkathons across borders.

Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, "After completing my first marathon, I felt a deep desire to persist in this pursuit. What began as a quest for fitness has evolved into a way of life."

He further emphasises the significance of prioritizing health and lifestyle, asserting, "Accumulating wealth loses its value if one cannot relish it." This sentiment underscores the importance of maintaining physical well-being.

Elaborating on his daily regimen, he shares, "I commence each day around 5:30 AM with stretches and warm-ups, followed by an hour-long bicycle ride. Evenings are dedicated to treadmill sessions, often accompanied by my son Murali upon his return from work."

In an era dominated by virtual interactions, Dattatreya advocates for engaging in physical activities to alleviate the burden on one's family. He articulates, "In my youth, I played football; now I run. Prioritising a healthy lifestyle has always been my prerogative. I believe parents can bestow two invaluable gifts upon their children: quality education and the preservation of their own health through physical exercise."

Regarding the TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Dattatreya hails it as the premier distance-running event in the city. "It fosters community engagement and promotes the ethos of 'health is wealth,' a philosophy I ardently endorse. Having participated in this event for several years, it has been an absolute delight," he affirms.

With April 28th fast approaching, Dattatreya eagerly anticipates crossing the start line at 5 AM, poised to etch a new milestone by becoming the first 96-year-old to conquer the TCS World 10K.