Smita Rajgopal

Smita was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder as an adult and has experienced multiple psychiatric hospitalizations. Since the diagnosis, she has worked to challenge the stigma around the often-misunderstood illness by showcasing the person behind the diagnosis, including her identity as a runner, accomplished entrepreneur, and circus aerialist.

 What does it mean to be part of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Team Inspire?

“In a marathon, hitting the wall is the moment when everything tells you to stop, yet you find the strength to push past it. My bipolar disorder diagnosis came out of the blue well into adulthood, and at times it has felt like hitting a wall in life. Being part of Team Inspire means showing that a diagnosis doesn’t end the story. Recovery isn’t linear; it happens one step, one mile, one day at a time. The wall is part of my story. It will never be my finish line.”