Kerala's 70-year-old autorickshaw driver completes 62 barefoot half-marathons in three years

Age is just a number, but for 70-year-old Rocky Chori, it is a milestone to be crossed at a sprint. An auto-rickshaw driver from Athipozhi in Mundamveli, Kochi, Rocky is not your average senior citizen. Over the past three years, he has successfully completed an astonishing 62 half-marathons—all run entirely barefoot.

Witnessing this septuagenarian cross the finish line of a 21-kilometre half-marathon, leaving much younger runners in his wake, is a sight that regularly leaves spectators and organisers in awe. Rocky’s daily routine is just as demanding. He trains barefoot every single morning, waking up at 4 am to log a solid nine-kilometre run, taking a well-earned rest only on Sundays.

Running away from sleepless nights
Rocky’s journey into the world of long-distance running began 11 years ago, born out of a struggle with health rather than a pursuit of athletic glory. "I started running because I was suffering from severe insomnia," he shares. "I would toss and turn all night. Once I started running, not only did I get my sleep back, but my physical fitness improved dramatically." Today, running remains his ultimate therapy and source of vitality.

An aquarium on wheels
Rocky’s passion for life is not just limited to the race track; it is also reflected in his unique auto-rickshaw. Passengers stepping into his vehicle are welcomed by a custom-built aquarium complete with swimming ornamental fish, alongside a vibrant display of foreign currencies from across the globe.

The currencies—which include a recent US $20 note and a 100 Rial note—are tips from grateful passengers, many of them foreign tourists. Rocky laminates these notes and displays them proudly. Before turning to the auto-rickshaw trade, Rocky spent a decade working in Oman and had also served as a crew member on fishing boats, which explains his deep-seated love for marine life and ornamental fish.

A heart of gold
Beyond his athletic feats and quirky ride, Rocky is well-known in his community for his unwavering integrity. A year ago, he made headlines when a passenger from Chullikkal accidentally left a bag containing ₹2.5 lakh in his auto-rickshaw. Rocky spared no effort in tracking down the passenger and returning the money safely, earning widespread admiration.

For Rocky, staying active is the secret to a long, fulfilling life. When well-meaning friends and passengers ask him why he continues to push his physical limits at his age, he simply smiles and says: "If I wasn't running, I would have been cooped up at home long ago. Running keeps me alive."