Mumbai’s Marathon Mentor: Haridasan Nair, The Coach Who Runs on Heart
By The Lifestyle & Events Desk, PuneNow
The quiet lanes of Navi Mumbai and Thane come alive not just with the rising sun, but with the familiar, rhythmic stride of Coach Haridasan Nair, “Hari Sir” to the thousands he has inspired. More than a runner, more than a coach, Hari Sir is a living testament to the power of commitment, turning the act of running into a profound act of community and self-discovery.
For the founder and guiding spirit of Runtastics Dil Se, every mile is laced with a purpose that goes far beyond setting personal bests.
From Fauji Discipline to Urban Legend
Running is deeply woven into Hari Sir’s DNA. Inspired by his father, he joined the Indian Army in 1986, where military discipline quickly forged a passion for middle-distance racing. Decades later, that fire still burns bright.
His resume is nothing short of legendary:
- Marathons: Over 500+ full marathons and 500+ half marathons.
- Ultras: More than 60 grueling ultramarathons, including the 161 km Border Run, the high-altitude Khardung La Challenge, and an impressive four back-to-back Comrades Marathons.
- Speed: Even after 36 years of running, his personal bests remain blistering: a 1:06 Half Marathon (HM) and a 2:26 Full Marathon (FM).
He hasn’t just outrun time; he has mastered it, one relentless stride at a time. Yet, for all his monumental achievements, Hari Sir measures his true success in lives transformed, not podiums reached.
“Running Must Feed Your Soul”
This is the philosophy that anchors Runtastics Dil Se, a running group based in Mumbai’s Thane and Palm Beach areas. Hari Sir’s coaching is rooted in empathy, a clear memory of his own beginner days filled with cramps and self-doubt.
He believes running is a spiritual journey, a place to reset, reflect, and recharge. His current fuel? Witnessing the transformation of others: “When someone who once struggled to jog 500 meters crosses their first finish line with tears in their eyes.”
His coaching mantra is simple, yet profound: “Progress over perfection. Consistency over intensity.”
During the lockdown, when outdoor running paused, Hari Sir showed true entrepreneurial spirit. He pivoted to online training, focusing on neglected areas like strength training, core work, and flexibility. This intelligent approach helped his runners, and their entire families, not only lose weight but become fitter and healthier, preparing them to “fight any type of infection.” He even lost 8 Kgs himself by following his own regimen!
Words to Run By
For those lacing up their shoes for the first time, Hari Sir offers a gentle, essential reminder:
“Don’t rush. Learn to love the journey. The speed will come. First, fall in love with the rhythm.”
Haridasan Nair, the Army man turned entrepreneur and marathon mentor, is teaching Mumbai and now Pune that running is not about the medal, but about the person you become on the way to earning it. He wants to remove the myths about the sport and ensure people approach it patiently and intelligently, recognizing running as a life-long activity that rewards you for decades.
In a world obsessed with instant results, Hari Sir stands as a humble, powerful reminder that the greatest distances are covered by those who run with persistence, passion, and, most importantly, heart.
Check out Haridasan Nair’s Instagram profile to know more about his initiatives.
