Romesh Ranganathan's London Marathon fitness journey
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan, 48, transformed his health, losing 20kg and completing consecutive London Marathons after a mindset shift from vanity to sustainable fitness.
Romesh Ranganathan completed the London Marathon in both 2024 and 2025 after a fitness journey that saw him lose around 20kg over the past few years. The 48-year-old's consistent weight training and running regimen began with a health-focused motivation tied to his family.
Romesh Ranganathan's shift from vanity-driven training to health-focused fitness began with a medical at 40 prompted by concerns for his children. He previously trained for appearances. Now he focuses on staying strong, healthy, and active as he gets older. "I got a medical when I turned 40 as I started to worry about my own mortality, not for myself, but because of my kids," Ranganathan said. He wanted to ensure he would be there for his three sons.
Early struggles with running
Despite consistent weight training, Romesh initially found running unbearable. He would blow after two minutes of running. He would start walking, then run a bit more, then blow again. He felt absolutely battered after running. He hated it.
The breakthrough
A simple breathing tip transformed his relationship with running. He received advice to slow down and focus on breathing while running. Ranganathan called this the single most helpful tip he's ever had. After applying it, he went from being unable to face running to seeing its benefits.
Building consistency and results
He increased his running, maintained high step counts and weight training, ultimately completing the London Marathon in both 2024 and 2025. His routine solidified. He lifts weights three or four times a week, sometimes more if his schedule allows. He tries to keep his daily step count high and has been training more consistently in recent months. Running has become a key part of his fitness journey.
Expert guidance and next steps
For those inspired by his transformation, expert guidance is available. Elite performance coach Kori Sampson, who knows how to optimise body composition for performance, created a 4-week plan. It is designed to help move faster, recover quicker, keep pushing through fatigue, and improve muscle-to-fat ratio. The plan is available via the Men’s Health app.
He completed the London Marathon in both 2024 and 2025.
