A UK-based woman from Odisha has gained popularity on social media for completing a marathon in Manchester while wearing a traditional Sambalpuri saree, along with sneakers. She ran 42 kilometers in four hours and fifty minutes.
Her achievement has been widely shared on social media due to the unique attire she chose to wear during the marathon.
“Madhusmita Jena, an Indian living in Manchester, UK, comfortably runs Manchester marathon 2023 in a lovely Sambalpuri Saree. While proudly showcasing her Indian heritage, she also presents an inviting perspective on the quintessential #Indian attire,” tweeted the Friends of India Society International (FISI) UK diaspora organisation.
It was soon picked up by several others, a majority of whom applauded the achievement, while some also wondered about the practicality of the outfit.
“Kudos to the spirit of the lady to run the marathon. No mean feat by any stretch of imagination. It’s an inefficient choice of clothing to run though… could easily have shaved time off and reduced effort in running attire. Each to his/her own,” noted one Twitter user.
Jena enjoys running marathons and has completed other runs around the world over the years. Meanwhile, her choice of garment in Manchester to showcase Indian culture and inspire others to take up running continues to make waves.
“Imagine how fast she would run with normal marathon clothes. Well done,” noted another Twitter user.
The Adidas Manchester Marathon is one of the UK’s premier running events, known for its “fast, flat and friendly” 26.2 mile route.
(PTI)
Demonstrators attend a "Save Democracy" march led by Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders, amid calls for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign, in New Delhi, India, November 1, 2026. REUTERS/Bhawika Chhabra
