From Bihar's Fields to IRONMAN World Championship: The Extraordinary Journey of Kishlay Rai

A Small Village Beginning

Kishlay Rai grew up in a small village in Bihar's Arrah district, in a farming family. Like many young people from rural India, he pursued education and opportunity — earning an MBA and landing a corporate job in Delhi at age 26.

The Health Wake-Up Call

But corporate life took its toll. Obesity and high blood pressure became serious concerns. A doctor's warning became the turning point — Kishlay knew something had to change.

Discovering Running

In 2016, Kishlay started running. He joined the Delhi Runners Group (DRG) and quickly found a passion for endurance. Running gave him structure, community and a new purpose.

Facing the Water

In 2017, Kishlay faced one of his biggest fears — water. He learned swimming from scratch, starting with basic pool lessons and progressing to open water. What was once terrifying became a strength.

The IRONMAN Journey Begins

In 2018, an Australian visa rejection for the Port Macquarie IRONMAN seemed like a setback. Instead, it redirected him to IRONMAN Malaysia, where he completed his first full-distance race — with a broken wrist — in 14:15.

Mentor Mohit Oberoi introduced him to professional coaching methodology, and the foundations for his own coaching practice were laid.

World Championship Stage

From that first broken-wrist finish in 2018 to the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in 2024 — Kishlay's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 17 IRONMAN finishes across 11 countries, 3-time AWA Gold Athlete status (2022–2025), and IRONMAN Certified Coach credentials, he now dedicates himself to helping others achieve what once seemed impossible.

The Mission

Train with Kishlay exists to show people that dreams don't care where you come from. Whether you grew up in a village or a city, whether you're 25 or 55 — with the right coaching, structure and belief, extraordinary things are possible.