From Breaking 60 to Breaking 57: 14-Year-Old Pune Runner Chases His Next Milestone
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Undri, 18th August 2026: At just 14, Pune’s Yash Gullapelli is steadily making his mark in long-distance running, improving his 10K timings while balancing his Class 9 studies at EuroSchool Undri with regular training.
Yash’s recent performances highlight his consistent progress. On August 2, 2026, he completed the 10K at the NEB Sports Pune Marathon in 56 minutes and 38 seconds, recording a new personal best and breaking the 57-minute barrier.
Just 13 days later, on August 15, Yash took part in the ATENX Independence Run 10K in Pune. He completed the race in 56 minutes and 58 seconds and finished 12th in the gender ranking.
His recent performances show a clear improvement from his earlier races. He clocked 59 minutes and 30 seconds in the 10K at the Vrukshathon Half Marathon and 1 hour, 53 seconds at the Green Pune Monsoon Hill Marathon.
For Yash, however, running is not simply about medals or rankings. His focus is on improving his timing, building endurance and understanding how far consistent training can take him.
“At 14, I am not chasing medals as much as I am chasing the clock,” Yash said.
He added that his progress has come from regular training, learning to pace himself, proper recovery and maintaining consistency while managing his academic responsibilities.
“Every race has taught me something different, and each improvement has made me want to see how much further I can go,” he said.
Yash’s mother, Deepika Gullapelli, has supported his running journey as he balances competitive sport with school.
The young runner is now looking beyond the 10K and preparing for longer distances. A half marathon is among his upcoming goals, which will require greater endurance, preparation and patience.
From a 59:30 finish to a 56:38 personal best, Yash’s journey reflects the progress that can come from consistency and determination. At an age when many students are still discovering their interests, he is already learning an important lesson through running — that every finish line can be the beginning of another challenge.
Yash Gullapelli: Recent Running Highlights
– NEB Sports Pune Marathon, August 2, 2026: 10K — 56:38
– ATENX Independence Run, August 15, 2026: 10K — 56:58; 12th gender rank
– Vrukshathon Half Marathon: 10K — 59:30
– Green Pune Monsoon Hill Marathon: 10K — 1:00:53
Yash Gullapelli, 14, is a Class 9 student of EuroSchool Undri, Pune, and a young distance runner working towards his next milestone — the half marathon.
