Meet Barefoot Thomas Bobby Philip from India
Meet the barefoot Thomas Bobby Philip from India. At 58 years old, this incredible runner from Bangalore, India, is turning heads in the global running community with his unique barefoot approach. Just last Sunday, during the 2024 Mumbai Marathon, Bobby achieved one of the fastest times of his career—3:11:47—earning third place in the men’s 55-59 age group.
Bobby’s journey into running began in 2009, inspired by his daughter’s school race. Although she eventually moved on from running, Bobby, born Thomas Philip, found his passion ignited. Initially, he tried running in shoes, even buying a pair from a local Nike store. However, he soon discovered the freedom and joy of running barefoot. By 2012, Bobby had fully embraced this minimalist style and embarked on a remarkable journey, competing in races from 5K to ultramarathons.
In 2015, Bobby made history as the first Indian to complete the prestigious Boston Marathon barefoot. Two years later, he achieved a stunning 3:12 finish at the New York City Marathon—still barefoot.
When asked about his unique choice, Bobby explains, “I do my fastest runs barefoot, and I’ve just kept it up. The encouragement I receive motivates me, and running without shoes pushes me beyond my comfort zone.”
Now retired from a career in telecommunications, Bobby is dedicating himself fully to his passion. He’s set his sights on an exciting lineup of future races, all of which he plans to tackle barefoot.
But barefoot running isn’t without its challenges. Bobby acknowledges that cold weather makes every step sharper and more painful, especially during long distances. Surprisingly, he finds the 5K the most demanding race, as it tests his speed and resilience to the limit.
Though there’s no confirmed familial connection between Bobby and Abebe Bikila—the Ethiopian marathon legend who famously won gold barefoot at the 1960 Olympics—Bobby’s dedication, resilience, and impressive achievements undoubtedly place him in a league of his own.
Thomas Bobby Philip is not just a runner; he’s an inspiration, proving that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere—even without shoes.