In 2015, Gurleen Arora found herself at a crossroads. A mother of two, juggling the demands of family and life, she weighed 90 kg and was battling health challenges. Life had taken its toll, and she realized it was time for a change. That was the moment when Gurleen decided to embark on a journey that would redefine her life forever—a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation.

Born and raised in Delhi, Gurleen had always aspired to lead a fit life but, like many, had let the responsibilities of marriage, career, and motherhood take precedence. By 2015, with her children aged 13 and 3, she realized that the time had come to reclaim her health and happiness. With unwavering determination, she joined a running group called Gurgaon Road Runners (GRR) and began her structured training program under the guidance of Chief Siddharth.

The initial days were tough. Waking up at 4 a.m., sticking to a disciplined routine, and saying no to late-night gatherings wasn’t easy, but Gurleen stayed committed. Slowly but surely, she shed her old habits and embraced a healthier lifestyle. Her first milestone came when she ran her first Half Marathon later that year, an achievement that gave her the confidence to dream bigger.

Running soon became her passion. The wind on her face, the rhythm of her footsteps, and the feeling of crossing finish lines fueled her determination. Over the next few years, Gurleen pushed her limits, participating in over 30 marathons, including prestigious events like the Comrades Marathon (89 km)* in South Africa, the BMW Berlin Marathon, and numerous Half Marathons and 10K runs across India.

But her story isn’t just about running. It’s about transformation—of her body, her mind, and her life. With discipline and grit, she lost 30 kg, becoming a role model for women everywhere. Her journey inspired her family too. Her husband became a runner, and her daughter started running alongside her, even earning podium finishes in 10K events.

In addition to being a runner, Gurleen became a pacer and mentor, helping others achieve their fitness goals. She discovered a deeper purpose in inspiring women to believe in themselves, showing them that a healthy and active lifestyle was within reach.

Gurleen’s story is proof that no obstacle is insurmountable. It’s a story of saying no to excuses, embracing challenges, and believing in the power of persistence. Today, she continues to break barriers, summiting new heights—both literally, as she climbed the Mt. Everest Base Camp, and metaphorically, as she motivates countless others to take their first step toward a healthier life.

Her mantra is simple: “If I can, so can you.”