This Runner With 100% Visual Impairment Is Paving The Way For Inclusive Fitness

About 15 years ago, Dipti Gandhi started running with friends, purely for entertainment and with no competitive goals in mind. Little did she know this pastime would soon turn into a lifelong commitment to fitness and advocacy for inclusion, especially for women and for persons with disabilities like herself.

As a 100% visually challenged marathon runner, she is committed to raising awareness about accessibility in sports and encouraging more women to prioritise their fitness.

At the upcoming Mumbai Pinkathon, Dipti will run the 10k to champion women's health. Speaking to SheThePeople, she shared what excites her the most about running.

Dipti Gandhi In Conversation With SheThePeople

Dipti had always enjoyed sports, but for years, it remained a casual pursuit. The turning point came nearly a decade ago, when she was invited as a mascot for a 10km marathon and went on to win the race.

"That’s when I felt that running is the best exercise," Dipti shared. However, the lack of structured coaching brought her training to a pause. Then, in 2025, her running journey restarted with renewed purpose.

"I have been invited to the Pinkathon 2025 as a 10k mascot," Dipti shared. Her training for the marathon is a carefully curated mix of long runs, recovery exercises, yoga, and stretches.

Accessibility Still Has Miles To Go

Dipti is candid about the challenges that people with disabilities face in India's public spaces. Roads, running tracks, and fitness centres are largely designed with able-bodied users in mind.

In gyms, even with trainers, challenges remain. "Sometimes our form is not correct, but we can’t recognise it ourselves. That’s why we always need full focus from the trainers."

As a 100% visually challenged runner, Dipti emphasises that running independently is not possible. A guide runner is not just a companion, but a critical anchor.

Building trust before the run, she explains, is essential. Communication, awareness, and mutual understanding ensure that they both stay aligned physically and mentally.

"We treat them as a family member," Dipti expressed. "Every time, they are ready to support us, to understand our movements, and help us overcome any problem."

Running As Empowerment

For Dipti, the Pinkathon holds a special place in her heart. "What I like the most is that it’s only for women, and to raise awareness about women's health," she shared. 

She believes such events create a powerful cultural shift. "Every year, thousands of women join. They take time for themselves and start thinking about their own fitness."

Dipti Gandhi’s story underscores that fitness is a right, not a privilege. Through running, she has found strength, community, and a platform to advocate for accessible fitness for all.

She reminds us that true progress in sport is not only about covering certain kilometres, but about how many barriers can be removed along the way.