Police Constable Pilli Raju: A Marathon Runner Inspiring Many
Attitude defines a person, not their profession. This is true for Pilli Raju, a dedicated police constable from Khammam. Beyond his law enforcement duties, he has become a source of inspiration for thousands with his passion for fitness and marathon running.
Raju is not just a police officer; he is also a skilled athlete. He has broken records in full, half, and ultra-marathons at both national and international levels. Through his WhatsApp community, ‘Fit Police’, he has encouraged more than 1,000 people in Telangana to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, he offers free physical training to aspiring police recruits to help them succeed in fitness tests.
His biggest goal is to earn the prestigious ‘Ironman’ title. This is one of the toughest triathlons in the world, consisting of a 3.86-km swim, a 180-km bicycle ride, and a 42.1-km run, all without a break. Currently, he is training hard for the Ironman Triathlon, which will take place in Goa this November.
Recently, Raju completed the Tata Ultra Marathon, a challenging 50-km night run through the hills and valleys of the Sahyadri range in Lonavala, Maharashtra. He finished the marathon in an impressive 6 hours and 15 minutes. So far, he has participated in over 300 marathons, including 21 km, 42 km, and 50 km races.
What makes Raju special is his deep connection to his roots and profession. In every marathon, he proudly carries the Telangana Police flag, symbolizing his dedication to inspiring young people to join the armed forces, including the Army and Navy.
Concerned about misguided youth, he actively trains and mentors those preparing for police recruitment. He provides free guidance and fitness training to help them succeed. Despite his busy schedule as a constable, he never skips running and always carries his sports shoes with him.
Raju’s journey into running began in 2016 when ACP B. Tirupathi Reddy of Khammam Rural encouraged him to take it up. Since then, he has participated in numerous marathons and has even served as a brand ambassador for various marathon events in Telangana. His efforts have earned him great recognition, and he has received strong support from his wife and IGP Sports Telangana Ramesh.
Raju’s story is one of dedication, passion, and perseverance. He is not just running marathons—he is leading a movement that inspires people to embrace fitness and discipline. With his eyes set on the Ironman title, he continues to push his limits, proving that real strength goes beyond wearing a uniform.
