This powerful combination of technology and talent has already reaped rewards. After securing a dominant win at the 2025 Chicago Marathon and shattering the half-marathon world record this March in Lisbon, the 25-year-old is now targeting success at the 2026 London Marathon.

To mark World Health Day (WHD) 2026 on April 7, Samsung Newsroom asked him to detail his data-driven training regime, which embodies this year’s WHD slogan, “Together for health. Stand with science.”

With exclusive access to his Samsung Health metrics, we take an inside look into his grueling training program, which has seen him cover over 100 km in just one week. Discover how insights led him to adjust his training for optimal recovery and how even a “rest day” can include a 3 km run.

Q. Congratulations on your recent world record at the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon. What’s the secret to your success?

There’s no secret. It’s just about discipline. You have to work hard, be extremely focused, and manage your energy — knowing when to rest and when to push harder. But honestly, the most important part is that you have to really want what you’re working toward. I wouldn’t have broken the world record if I didn’t follow that formula.

Q. You finished second at the 2025 London Marathon and are now preparing to go one step further at this year’s event. What role has your Galaxy Watch8 played in your training?

My coach doesn’t live in Uganda, so my Galaxy Watch8 has basically become his personal assistant here. Even though he’s not with me, he can get real-time analysis and reports on my running form through the Running Analysis feature in Samsung Health. We track my heart rate and pay close attention to my pace for each kilometer. During the harder sessions, I also monitor the asymmetry readings to see if I’m overcompensating on one side so I can avoid strain. Contact time is another key aspect I keep an eye on, making small adjustments to my form to ensure every stride is as efficient as possible. I always try to improve my running economy, so these insights are incredibly helpful.

Q. Looking at your recent Samsung Health data, we can see some clear patterns in your training routine. Tell us about your regime.

Consistency is key, but athletes must not be obsessed with training. What many people don’t realize is that rest is equally as important as physical training. To compete at your best, you need to be able to maximize your energy, and the only way to do that is through consistent rest. But “rest” doesn’t always mean no training. A rest day can mean running 3 km instead of 40 km. You have to be consistent in what you’re doing, but you also need to listen to your body and know when to slow down. Technology can help a lot with this.

Q. Can you give us an example of how a specific insight from the Samsung Health app led you to adapt your training program?

The decision to run 3 km instead of 40 km that I just mentioned was a true story. After experiencing some lingering soreness during a recent 24 km run, I decided to turn what was intended to be a 40 km run into a light 3 km jog to ensure I could recover and have the stamina to get through 40 km another day. The Samsung Health app was very helpful for me here. It kept me informed so I could allow my body to fully recover and prevent a potential injury or burnout.

Q. We’ve seen how a professional runner like yourself uses data to reach their goals. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their running journey, and how can the Running Coach feature get them on the right track?

For beginners, it is very important to ease into things and be patient. You will build up stamina over time; it’s about knowing when to push yourself and when to stop. Not everyone has a personal coach with them to tailor a training plan. But the Running Coach feature provides customized programs to help even beginners train for a marathon. It tells you exactly what you should be doing during a run, motivates you and helps you improve. New runners are fortunate to have this fantastic technology which can guide them every step of the way. It’s also great for more experienced runners looking to take on a full marathon as it provides structured training programs.

Q. On World Health Day, the message is “Together for health, stand with science.” How does this relate to your own philosophy?

Science helps me throughout my training. I don’t know where I would be without the ability to track data on my Galaxy Watch8. I use that science to shape my daily routine. Science and technology help me perform at my best, and I believe they can do the same for anyone.

From a young runner in Uganda to a world-record holder, Kiplimo proves what happens when relentless dedication meets smart technology. Whether you are an elite athlete striving for the podium or someone taking your first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, Galaxy Watch8 provides actionable insights to help you build healthier habits and reach your goals.

Runners warm up ahead of the 14th annual Run for Children

Thanks to year-long support and promotion from the Taipei City Government and Chinese Taipei Road Running Association, the maximum of 20,000 runners was reached well ahead of the registration deadline. This year’s run saw a 9km race added to the original 3km course, attracting many ambitious runners keen to push themselves – all in the name of charity.

The race kicks off in front of Taipei City Hall

A Star-Studded Turn-Out

This year’s event saw all manner of celebrities and local luminaries show up to provide their support to the cause. Notable local administration figures including Hao-Lu Wang, Senior Executive Officer of the Public Sports Section, and Zai-Li Li, Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Taipei City Government, were in attendance to cheer for the runners. Hsing-Chun Kuo, winner of the gold medal for weightlifting at the Asian Games, and other stars of the athletic world such as former marathon athlete Chia-Che Chang and bodybuilder Melody Wan were also in attendance to take part in the run.

An array of celebrity athletes took part in the 2018 race (L-R: Jay Chen, Chao-Tsun Cheng, Chia-Che Chang, Hsing-Chun Kuo, Liya Wang)

Runners were also cheered on by Bravo the Bear, mascot of the 2017 Taipei Universiade. Lifesize cut-outs of the star athletes present were available in the event’s photography area so that visitors and participants alike were able to pose alongside their favorite athletes.

Those who attended the charity run were also treated to a dynamic performance on-stage at the run’s hub in front of Taipei City Hall from ‘Best New Artist’ Golden Melody Award nominee J. Sheon, who delighted the audience with his music and the effortless selfies he took with the crowd thanks to the Galaxy Note9 S Pen’s remote control function.

Singer J.Sheon captivates the crowd

Samsung Taiwan has long promoted the participation of Taiwanese athletes in international competitions. This year, Asian Games participants Hsing-Chun Kuo, Jay Chen, Chao-Tsun Cheng, Tzu-Yun Wen, and Chih-Kai Lee were invited to form a “STAR UP Alliance” to bring visibility to this the athletic and charitable endeavors of the STAR UP scholarship fund.

Where Technology Meets Charity

For the benefit of all who attended the charity race, Samsung provided a unique ‘STAR UP Experience Area’ combining their trademark high-tech products like the Galaxy Note 9 and VR Gear with dynamic STAR UP charity program concepts, resulting in an exciting multi-experience space designed to look like a base on the planet Mars.

Caption: Visitors to the Experience Area marvel at the Gear VR’s out-of-this-world scenery

The STAR EDUCATION themed suite featured imaginative creations by Taiwanese designers and children from the Samsung SMART School program. Visitors wishing to prove their physical prowess had a chance to do so in the STAR CULTIVATION experience center, where they could challenge themselves on a flywheel bike while wearing a brand-new Galaxy Watch.

A Taiwanese designer explores the creations of local Samsung SMART School children

Visitors to the STAR CULTIVATION area get going on the exercise bikes, equipped with the Galaxy Watch

The STAR ENVIRONMENT zone had a lush forest feel to it, documenting the eco-craft trail construction process undergone by Samsung volunteers in the Hehuan North Peak area of Taiwan. Visitors could make a lively record of the AKG surround-sound forest experience area, filled with the sounds of chirping birds and insects, with a tablet with S Pen.

Runners make the most of the STAR ENVIRONMENT zone

Samsung’s sustainable creativity did not stop with the Experience Area, however as discarded containers were used to create the start line arch for this year’s event and the die-cast medals for the 9km race were created from recycled electronics materials..

All in the Spirit of Giving Back

While the charity race was indeed the highlight of the day, the festivities did not end with the races’ stopwatch. Following the end of the race, three Asian Games athletes shared their insights and experiences of pushing boundaries in the face of adversity to an enraptured audience. The athletes also presented hand-written notes to each TFCF child who had participated in the run, underscoring the message of the day – to keep chasing your dreams.

Chinese athletes Jay Chen, Hsing-Chun Kuo and Chao-Tsun Cheng (L-R) share their experiences

The registration fees of 2.75 million NTD for this year’s event will be utilized to sponsor 200 students enrolled in local primary, secondary, and tertiary schools. Some of the 200 children already benefiting from the TFCF scheme commenced the race alongside Asian Games professional athletes. To express gratitude to those who’d participated and contributed to this charitable enterprise, Samsung put on an exciting closing ceremony and a range of prizes for the race’s annual prize-giving. On offer to those who had come out on top of the day’s races were such leading Samsung products as the Galaxy Note9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy Tab S3, Galaxy Watch and even a 65-inch QLED TV.

Beneficiaries of the STAR scholarships take part in the race

Following the race, winners pose proudly with their Samsung prizes

“I’m deeply grateful for the support and positive responses from all circles of our society,” noted Jung-joo Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Taiwan. “In the future, Samsung Taiwan will continue to fulfill its corporate social responsibility and support the educational opportunities of all children to our utmost ability. Our goal is to build a better future for everyone.”

Summary

• Usha Kodandaramaiah, an engineer at Samsung Research & Development Institute – Bangalore (SRI-B) is also an accomplished marathon runner
• She discovered her passion for running 3 years ago, when she prioritized her health after being diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency
• She has previously completed a 12-hour marathon, in addition to competing in several 10 km, 21.1 km, 42.2 km, 50 km marathons and ultramarathons
• She recently completed a 24-hour continuous run, covering 114.2 km

Many people kickstart a healthier lifestyle by exercising, but relatively few of us will compete in a marathon. For Usha Kodandaramaiah, her foray into running three years ago was the beginning of a life-changing passion.

The engineer from Samsung Research & Development Institute (SRI-B) in Bangalore, India, has now participated in several marathon running events in India and abroad, having rapidly transformed herself into a long-distance runner.

Kodandaramaiah smiles for the camera as she runs in the 24-hour ultramarathon heat at the Kanteervara stadium in Bengaluru, India

Stepping into Running Shoes

Kodandaramaiah was initially motivated to pursue a healthy lifestyle when she was diagnosed with acute Vitamin D deficiency. She had trouble sitting down for long hours and would have to wear a special belt for lower back support. While she was receiving treatment, Kodandaramaiah felt that her recovery was slow and that she needed to add exercise to her daily routine.

At first, Kodandaramaiah thought of pursuing dancing to raise her spirits and get herself moving. But she couldn’t see herself sustaining this hobby and soon enrolled in a gym. This also failed to keep her interest, but then a friend encouraged her to start going on short runs. This was when she truly discovered her passion.

Usha recently completed the 21 km international half marathon event in Seoul, South Korea

“Every time I ran I would feel very relaxed and my mind would be free. I felt like that was my ‘me’ time, where I could think peacefully and calmly. I would feel so happy and refreshed after every run. These benefits motivated to keep running and pursue it further as a hobby.”

Kodandaramaiah started with short 1-2 km runs and quickly began to time her runs as well. As her run times garnered more and more admiration from her peers, she decided to take a step further and sign up for her first marathon.

Balancing Profession and Passion 

Kodandaramaiah identifies herself as a career-oriented woman and carefully plans her running sessions during her leisure time. She wakes up at 5 a.m. on three weekdays per week to run for an hour. On weekends, she goes on long 20-25km runs that can last for about 3-4 hours.

“My professional life has actually helped me manage my passion for running in a better way. I have now become more disciplined thanks to the new routines that I created for myself. As part of the SRI-B Runners Club, I have found a very supportive group of fellow runners from Samsung who encourage and motivate me to keep running.”

Kodandaramaiah says that running has also taught her several lessons. As marathon runs are physically demanding, she plans them very carefully in order to maintain her pace and conserve energy. She applies the same planning mindset to her work every day and has become more efficient as a result. She also attributes her increased patience, focus and reduced stress to her passion for running.

At the Start Line and Beyond  

Kodandaramaiah follows a strict diet and training regime to prime herself for marathon events, consuming small meals every 2-3 hours during the day and avoiding food altogether after 7 p.m. She has also eliminated sugar from her diet after realizing that it is not helpful for her body while running.  “There are of course some challenges, like craving a particular item of food when you’re at a buffet lunch with friends. But I compensate by eating a lot of vegetables the day after or just tasting just a bit of the food that I crave.”

Kodandaramaiah training with Mr. Kumar

She is coached for marathon events by her friend, Mr. Kumar Kuppuswamy, a veteran runner who has participated in many ultramarathons – races that exceed the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers. Kodandaramaiah says that as her mentor, Kumar, always understands her capabilities and motivates her to push herself a little more and to go further during each practice session.

“Kumar would run along with me in marathon events and ensure that I was staying hydrated throughout the course. His advice and training have been invaluable at every event.”

Moments before any race, Kodandaramaiah says she has thoughts of failure. “I do think about situations where my body gives up or where I might injure myself. However, thanks to the regular training, I have built a positive mindset that helps me combat these thoughts,” she confides “I always tell myself that, come what may, I have to fight it out and complete the race. Even during the course of the race, if I start feeling tired and I have five more kilometers to go, I break it down to single kilometer goals and convince myself to cover the next kilometer and so forth, till I reach the finish line. Overall, it’s important to reinforce the thought that ‘Yes, I Can Do It!’”

During her visit to South Korea, Kodandaramaiah spent time with her colleagues and their families

Kodandaramaiah has previously competed in several 10 km, 21.1 km, 42.2 km, 50 km marathons and ultramarathons. She recently competed in a 21 km international half marathon event in Seoul, South Korea in June 2018 and has even accomplished the rare feat of running continuously for 24 hours in an ultramarathon, covering 114.2 km in the process.

Kodandaramaiah aims to participate in international marathon events and interact with more runners around the world, in addition to taking part in marathons across hilly terrains. She plans to compete in the Mumbai Marathon in the upcoming months. She has also set her sights at conquering the next big summit in marathons – a 36-hour marathon.

Reflecting on what running means to her, Kodandaramaiah offered these final words: “Running has transformed my life in more ways than one. Not only has it made me healthier, and more focused at work, but it has also made me more disciplined, reduced my stress and helped me expand my social circle!”