Madhusmita Jena, a special educational needs teacher and mother of two, plans to complete the marathon in under three hours and 50 minutes. Her effort is not just about setting a record but also about inspiring women from diverse backgrounds to embrace fitness in a way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.

Speaking about her motivation, Madhusmita said her journey began as a way to represent Indian culture and heritage. Over time, it evolved into a broader message encouraging women to exercise in clothing they feel confident in. She emphasized that comfort and self-expression should go hand in hand with physical activity.

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Born in England and raised in Saudi Arabia, Madhusmita has lived in several countries, including Dubai and Bahrain. Her global experiences have shaped her advocacy for inclusivity in sports. She has previously supported initiatives encouraging women wearing hijabs to participate in running events in Egypt, which later inspired “saree runs” in rural parts of India.

Currently, the record is held by India’s Kranti Salvi, who completed the 2018 Berlin Marathon in a saree in three hours, 57 minutes, and seven seconds.

Madhusmita hopes her attempt will demonstrate that running has no boundaries, whether cultural or sartorial, and inspire women worldwide to pursue their goals without limitations.