Football and cricket seem to occupy most of our bandwidth. But, despite all the hurdles and obstacles that are placed on some of the athletes, it is their passion that truly generates significant progress.

One such individual is Partho Saha, an ultra runner, whose accolades include the Chiang Mai Ultra Race, a 160-kilometre test, which he finished in 36 hours.

The Fish Trail, a 100-kilometre race known as one of South Asia’s toughest ultra-trail races, he finished within 25 hours and 30 minutes.

The Buddha Trail 65 km is a high-altitude ultra run with a trail of around 3,300 steps on a steep mountain path, and the Ladakh Ultra Series is regarded as one of the world’s most extreme environments for an ultra run, with a trail of around 15,500 m above sea level and a 122 km race that he completed in 10 hours and 28 minutes as the first Bangladeshi.

Photo: Courtesy

As an athlete who did not follow the conventional path in our country, he faced a number of obstacles. Many questioned his choice of becoming an athlete in the first place, and the dire implications of being a runner, pursued by the ramifications of a sport that is unorthodox, startled him in the beginning.

However, a self-motivated man like him knows no boundaries, which was evident from the start of the interview I had with him.

Who is Partho Saha?

“I primarily provide running-focused training and personal fitness coaching. My work involves improving athletes’ fitness levels, enhancing performance, and helping prevent injuries through structured training programmes.

In 2025, I worked as a Strength and Conditioning Trainer under the Bangladesh Cricket Board for the Young Cricketers League (YCL), and also served in the same role in the Dhaka First Division Cricket League.

Currently, I am appointed as the Head Coach for internationally organised race events, Run Bangla and Northern Half, where I lead training programmes and preparation strategies for runners.”

What led you to this journey?

“My athletic journey began on 14 February 2014, when I entered the world of sports by purchasing my first bicycle. In 2018, I bought my first pair of running shoes. Since the Botanical Garden is located near my home, I would occasionally go there to run. Initially, I started with normal walking and jogging, but one day I saw a man over 60 years old walking there. At that moment, I realised that if he could walk, I should be running. That realisation marked the true beginning of my running journey.

In 2021, I crossed the Bangla Channel from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s Island. In 2022, I participated in the Ladakh Marathon, held at an altitude of 11,150 feet above sea level. This was my first international race, where I completed the full marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres in 4 hours and 18 minutes.

I finished 36th overall and was among the top-performing international participants. From that point onward, my journey into international racing truly began.

Every time I move toward the finish line after completing challenging events in different countries, and I hear my name announced as “Partho, Bangladesh,” that is the moment I truly feel the most proud.”

Photo: Courtesy

What does success mean to you now, and how has that definition changed over time?

“To me, success means crossing the finish line without limits. My races are usually turf races, filled with numerous challenges. When I cross the finish line, all the struggles behind me dissolve into the sky, and I move forward toward even newer and tougher challenges.

All of my achievements so far are unique, as I have accomplished several foundational milestones as the first runner from Bangladesh to do so. For me, every race represents a pyramid of success built on struggle.

The Chiang Mai UTMB 100-mile race stands as a distinct milestone in my journey. At one point, my goal was to complete a UTMB 100-kilometre race, but instead, I began with the 100-mile distance.

In 2021, the Bangla Channel became my turf race. Risking my life, I crossed the finish line in 6 hours and 33 minutes. That day, the sea had waves several feet high, our support system collapsed in the ocean, yet by the end of the day, I emerged as the winner.”

What are the difficulties you face and how do you get through them?

“The main limitations of my journey are the lack of proper training support and insufficient race funding.

For the level of races I am currently competing in, I am only able to complete about 30–40% of the training that is actually required. The realities of city life do not provide the environment or opportunities needed for this level of preparation.

This journey is extremely expensive, yet the necessary support is rarely available. Even so, I have not stopped. I accept these challenges as part of the process and continue to push forward, focusing on my own growth and improvement.”

Photo: Courtesy

Are the obstacles ever too much? What keeps you going?

“Whenever I plan a race, my very first step is to begin training with the mindset that I am already a finisher.

From that point on, it is only a matter of officially reaching the finish line. I have faced many struggles, and countless negative thoughts have crossed my mind along the way.

My mother does not know exactly what I do during races, because I do not share the details. Some races involve life-threatening risks, especially when running deep inside jungles. Yet, somehow, I always find a way to bring myself to the finish line.

Whatever I have achieved in life, I first remember the Creator and have trained consistently with dedication. Despite the limited resources in Dhaka, I have tried to make the best out of what I had and have succeeded.

From my journey, I want to convey this message: the Creator will surely make your journey successful, but He watches your dedication. It does not matter where you are or what position you are in; what matters is whether you give up or keep striving, even from that position.

Each of my achievements comes from relentless dedication, consistency, and making the most of limited resources, no matter where you start.”