Rumpa begins in a newsroom, not on a track. A seasoned journalist, with over two decades of work, now finds purpose in running shoes. She started her career back in 2004 and never looked back. Over the years, she explored media, communication, and development work. She handled major projects, many focused on women and digital storytelling. She also wrote children’s books and worked on learning projects. One of her books still circulates among young readers today. Her career shows range, grit, and a love for storytelling. But life had more chapters waiting.
So how does a journalist step into endurance sports? The answer is simple. Curiosity and a little push from friends. She loved sports in her early years. Volleyball, handball, and school-level competitions filled her youth. Then life happened. Work, family, and social limits slowed things down.
Fast forward to 2023. Friends nudged her back into motion. They said, “Start running.” She hesitated. Running feels easy until you try it. But she gave it a shot. What started as a casual run turned into a routine. And then, something clicked.
Picture: Rumpa Syeda Tiger Zaman.
Her first runs were not perfect. She ran short distances around Dhanmondi Lake. Some days felt great. Some days felt like punishment. Yet she showed up again and again. That’s where change begins. She credits her friends for the push and for keeping her motivated. But the real shift came from within. She realized something simple. “If others can do it, why can’t I?” That question changed everything.
Every run became a small win. Not always fast. Not always smooth. But meaningful. She says the middle part of a run feels like an achievement. The start is exciting. The end is rewarding. But the middle tests you. Soon, running was not just a habit. It became a lifestyle. She joined events, both virtual and physical. Each one felt like a celebration. Not a race against others, but a race with herself. That’s a powerful shift.
Then came a new role in race management. She stepped in as a marshal for ActivePulse Bangladesh. At first, she doubted herself. “Can I even do this?” she wondered. But she pushed through. And guess what? She did it.
Picture: Rumpa Syeda Tiger Zaman.
Her first event as a race marshal was the ActivePulse Women’s Run 2026. Her role involved guiding runners, managing tracks, and ensuring safety. And it's not as simple as it sounds. A marshal handles chaos so runners can focus. She learned to manage people, time, and pressure. That experience shaped her further.
She also noticed gaps in event management. Some events lacked care for runners. Poor hydration. Weak planning. Lack of respect. She didn’t stay quiet about it. “If runners pay, they deserve proper care,” she said. She praises events that respect runners. Good planning, proper support, and basic comfort matter. It’s not about luxury. It’s about respect. A banana and water can go a long way if offered well.
Her role also evolved into mentorship. She started guiding new runners, especially women. Her message is simple. “Start small. Stay active.” No need to chase big goals instantly. Even 2 kilometers is a start. She breaks myths around fitness. You don’t need fancy diets. Milk, eggs, bananas. Simple food works. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Picture: Rumpa Syeda Tiger Zaman.
She also highlights a key point. Age is not a barrier. Many women hesitate due to social pressure. She challenges that idea. “If I can do it, so can you.” That line carries weight.
Her work extended to kids’ events too. She recently managed the ActivePulse Kids Dash: Season 3 event, designed only for children. That brought a new perspective. Kids are unpredictable. One moment they run, the next moment they cry. Managing them needs patience.
But she loved the energy. Kids enjoyed being active. Parents showed interest. That’s a good sign. In a world full of screens, outdoor activity matters more than ever. She believes early exposure shapes habits. Teach kids to run young, and they grow active. Ignore it, and they grow dependent on screens. The choice is clear.
Picture: Rumpa Syeda Tiger Zaman.
Looking ahead, she has goals. Trail runs. Hill runs. Maybe even international events. She mentions places like Nepal or Malaysia. Not rushing, though. She knows preparation takes time. She already completed a half-marathon. That’s no small feat. A full marathon? Maybe someday. She’s honest about it. “It needs more training,” she says. No shortcuts here.
Finally, she speaks about the future of running in Bangladesh. She sees potential. But it needs structure. Community support. Maybe even national backing. She calls it a movement. A shift from inactive lifestyles to active ones. In a world of screens and stress, running offers balance. Simple, effective, and accessible.
Her journey proves one thing. You don’t need to start young. You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to start.
