The 8th edition of OOTYULTRA was a grand success with 938 runners from 19 Indian states. The 9th edition will be held on 22-Mar-2026, Sunday, and registrations open on 31-Oct-2025. 🏆 OOTYULTRA 8th Race results are published on our results page. 📩 For any questions, write to info@ootyultra.com.
Dr. NSS Rajendran: The Oldest OOTYULTRA 30K Runner, Proving Age is Just a Number
At 75, many people slow down and take things easy. But Dr. NSS Rajendran has different plans. This year, he is preparing to take on the OOTYULTRA 30K, making him the oldest participant ever in this category.
Running through the hills of Ooty is no small feat, but for Dr. Rajendran, it holds a special meaning. Having lived there for 33 years while serving at G.H. Ooty as Medical Superintendent & Joint Director of Health Services, he considers Ooty his second home.
From a 10K to 30K – The Journey Begins
Dr. Rajendran wasn’t always a runner. In 2019, his son, a marathoner himself, signed him and his wife up for the Coimbatore Marathon 10K.
“To be honest, we barely trained for three months, and finishing the race was tough,” he recalls.
Some of his friends advised against running at this age, but he decided to give it a shot anyway. He struggled, but he finished.
Then came COVID-19, and he couldn’t run for 15 months. When he returned in 2022, he completed his first half marathon in 2:43:30.
But despite running more half marathons, his timing didn’t improve much.
“I run alone and don’t follow a specific training plan, which could be why my timing remained the same,” he admits.
The Road to OOTYULTRA 2024
Last year, Dr. Rajendran registered for OOTYULTRA but couldn’t participate due to his mother’s passing. This year, he was determined to be ready.
To qualify for the OOTYULTRA 30K, runners must have completed a half marathon in under three hours. Dr. Rajendran met the requirement with a 2:38:04 finish at the 2024 Coimbatore Marathon.
Even with this achievement, he still had doubts.
“Will I be able to complete 30K next month?” he wondered.
After speaking with Coach Kay, OOTYULTRA’s Race Director, he felt reassured.
“He told me my concerns were unnecessary. That conversation helped me overcome my self-doubt,” he says.
Pushing Forward with a Bigger Goal
Running the OOTYULTRA 30K is a challenge, but Dr. Rajendran has his sights set on more.
“My ambition is to complete a full marathon and a 60K in OOTYULTRA before my last breath. If God is willing, I will make it happen.”
Unlike many runners, he doesn’t compare himself to others.
“When I heard about OOTYULTRA, I was immediately drawn to the challenge and the natural beauty of Ooty. I chose the 30K event to push myself further and enjoy the hills.”
A Message for Other Runners
As one of the elders in the race, Dr. Rajendran has a simple message for runners tackling the 50K, 60K, 75K, and 90K distances:
“You are tougher than you think you are. You can do much more than you think you can.”
For those hesitant about fitness, he keeps it straightforward:
“Your body is your most valuable asset. Nurture it with regular activity, a positive mindset, and healthy choices. Stay active, stay happy, and keep moving forward.”
One Step at a Time
On race day, as Dr. Rajendran steps onto the OOTYULTRA 30K start line, he won’t just be running a race.
He’ll be moving toward a goal he set for himself—one that he’s determined to reach, no matter his age.
Come part of this #ultramalaivasi experience where you can meet incredible runners like Dr NSS Rajendran.
