Makarand’s Six-Star Is Home: A Journey of Love, Loss, Resilience, My MVS Family, and Becoming UNSTOPPABLE
On September 27, 2026, I crossed the finish line of the Berlin Marathon and completed the coveted six Abbott World Marathon Majors. I also brought home the Six Star Medal that my dear husband, Makarand, had dreamed of earning. It was a moment filled with pride, joy, exhilaration, grief, pain, and a profound sense of loss. More than anything, I wished he were there to bring that medal home himself.
Makarand was an avid marathoner who had completed four of the six majors: Boston, London, Chicago, and New York. Tokyo and Berlin were still on his bucket list when he passed away suddenly while we were hiking in Tanzania on July 6, 2023, at the age of 52. He was my husband, my love, my best friend, my soulmate, my greatest supporter, and my favorite running partner. We had shared more than 26 years of life together, and I never imagined living life without him, let alone pursuing his unfinished dream.
Running had been part of my life for over 20 years, but after losing Makarand, it became something much deeper. A little over a week after his passing, I went for my first run, the day before his memorial service. It was one of the hardest runs of my life. I was struggling to take even the smallest steps forward, both physically and emotionally. Running became my therapy, my connection to Makarand, and a way to navigate grief and rebuild my life, one step at a time.
I never imagined that I would finish a marathon, let alone the Boston Marathon — one of the most prestigious and challenging marathons in the world, known for its demanding hills, unpredictable weather, and tough training conditions through the New England winter. Crossing that finish line in 2024 was a milestone I once thought was impossible. It gave me the courage to dream bigger, helped me heal, and inspired me to pursue Makarand’s unfinished dream. Since then, I have run Boston, New York, London, Chicago, Tokyo, and finally Berlin. Each marathon came with its own challenges, doubts, training miles, and finish-line emotions. Four of these six marathons were also charity runs, supporting causes close to my heart. Through these efforts, I raised nearly $11,000, thanks to the generosity of my friends, family, colleagues, and the community. A heartfelt thank-you to my MVS family for supporting me throughout my fundraising efforts, especially those of you who contributed so generously more than once.
Somewhere along this journey, I made a promise to myself: I would be UNSTOPPABLE. Being unstoppable does not mean that the journey is easy or that we never feel pain, fear, or doubt. It means finding the courage to take the next step when life feels impossible. It means continuing to learn, grow, challenge ourselves, and give our best, even when we don't know where our strength will come from. I have learned that being unstoppable is not about running every mile without struggle; it is about choosing to keep moving forward, one mile at a time, one day at a time.
My Merrimack Valley Striders family deserves a very special place in this journey. I am extremely grateful to every MVS member who has supported me, cheered for me, encouraged me, coached me, and believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. I will always be extremely grateful for the opportunity to run the prestigious Boston and New York Marathons through MVS—opportunities I could never have imagined, especially when I had never even run a marathon before. Those opportunities changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.
After Makarand passed away, MVS welcomed me with open arms, showering me with love, friendships, encouragement, and a sense of belonging when I needed them the most. I have learned something inspiring from every person in this club. MVS truly encourages runners at every level, and I feel blessed to be part of such a supportive and inspiring running family. Having the opportunity to help our coaches with the Schneider Electric Feaster Five training program and volunteer for the Feaster Five has been priceless.
I will never forget that MVS-hosted run the day before Makarand’s service. Those miles were incredibly painful, but the MVS members who ran alongside me helped me through those first, difficult, lonely steps. That morning, I realized I was not alone. I had the MVS community beside me. In so many ways, MVS has become part of the legacy of love that ‘Mak Attack’ leaves behind for me.
As I look back, I realize that the Six Star Medal is only one part of what I have brought home. I have found wonderful friends, inspiring coaches, running buddies, and a community that has lifted me up with love and happiness in ways I can never fully express. This journey has helped me discover a strength I didn't know I had. It has reminded me that resilience does not mean pretending everything is fine. It means finding the courage to keep showing up, even on the hardest days, and allowing others to help you along the way.
Makarand always believed in learning, growing, kindness, and giving back. I try to honor his legacy by living those values every day, supporting others, and continuing to challenge myself. As he would say, "It’s not the marathon itself, but the journey to the marathon that you will truly cherish for the rest of your life."
He was right. I will cherish this journey, the people who have been part of it, and the love that has carried me through it.
To my MVS family, thank you for being there for me, for believing in me, and for helping me to keep moving forward. MVS, I could not have done this without you.
Makarand, your Six-Star Medal is finally home. Your last words to me were, "Shilpa, I love you. Go finish the hike for us." I carry those words in my heart, and in so many ways, this journey became my way of honoring that promise. Your love will live in our hearts forever. Your dream lives on, and I will keep carrying you with me. Together, we are UNSTOPPABLE.