At an age when many individuals start slowing down, 74-year-old T.J. Marce was making ready to climb Europe’s highest peak. The retired Kerala State Highway Transport Company worker, Marce (74) from Wayanad has now summited Mount Elbrus, the very best peak in Europe, reaching its 5,642-metre (18,510-ft) summit on August 15, 2026. The ascent was a part of an eight-day expedition by a five-member crew from Kerala that confronted temperatures of round minus 20°C and winds of practically 65 kmph through the climb.In accordance with the Hindu and numerous media, Marce, who’s from Kavumannam in Thariode grama panchayat, accomplished the expedition together with S. Seshadri, M.P. Muraleedharan, G.J. Aghina Soorya and P. Athif. Seshadri led the expedition, whereas Soorya was its co-lead and the one girl within the crew. Marce, Seshadri and Muraleedharan are from Wayanad, Soorya is from Kozhikode and Athif is from Malappuram.The August 15 summit additionally occurred to fall on India’s eightieth Independence Day.
At 74, he’s believed to be the oldest Indian to summit Elbrus
The expedition included one other senior mountaineer, 66-year-old M.P. Muraleedharan. (Picture credit score: The Hindu)
Essentially the most notable a part of Marce’s climb was his age. He was 74 years, six months and 26 days when he reached the summit. In accordance with the expedition crew, and few media stories, Marce is believed to be the oldest Indian to summit Mount Elbrus, which lies in Russia’s Caucasus vary.The expedition included one other senior mountaineer, 66-year-old M.P. Muraleedharan. The 2 Wayanad residents have been climbing collectively for a number of years and had already accomplished some demanding treks earlier than taking over the upper peaks. Their development has been gradual. The pair trekked to Everest Base Camp in 2024 and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres, in 2025. Marce and Muraleedharan accomplished the Kilimanjaro climb collectively in September final yr.With the Elbrus ascent, Marce, Muraleedharan and Athif have now accomplished two of the Seven Summits, the very best mountains on every of the world’s seven continents. Athif had earlier climbed Kilimanjaro in 2019.
His mountaineering journey started after 60
In accordance with NDTV, Marce didn’t start critical mountaineering in his youth. His extra demanding trekking journey took form after retirement. Marce and Muraleedharan started coaching for mountaineering after turning 60. In the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, a trekking initiative related to the Wayanad Collectorate started together with senior residents.In 2021, when Marce was 70, he joined a trial trek to Cheengeri Hills. He then continued trekking with Muraleedharan and took half in expeditions in Wayanad, together with climbs within the Brahmagiri Mountains and Banasura Peak.What started with native trails ultimately took him outdoors Kerala and India. Talking about his curiosity in mountains, Marce stated that he had been fascinated with trekking and sightseeing from a younger age and had at all times been fascinated by the wild. Reaching a summit and searching down from the highest, he stated, provides him a distinct type of satisfaction.Eight days, freezing temperatures and robust windsThe Elbrus expedition was not a straightforward climb. In accordance with media stories, Marce recalled temperatures dropping to round minus 20°C, with some steep sections requiring the climbers to carry on to ropes. The crew left Mumbai on August 7 and travelled to Tbilisi in Georgia earlier than travelling to Terskol in Russia, the closest city to Mount Elbrus. The summit try started round midnight, with the climbers reaching the summit early the next morning.The crew additionally needed to take care of highly effective winds. In accordance with The Hindu, chilly winds reached round 65 kmph, notably after the saddle level through the ultimate ascent and descent. For Muraleedharan, who has accomplished greater than 130 treks throughout the Himalayas and different mountain ranges, Elbrus was his hardest expedition thus far.
“I wish to summit extra mountains”
Marce and Muraleedharan accomplished the Kilimanjaro climb collectively in September final yr.
For Marce, nonetheless, Elbrus just isn’t being handled as a ultimate achievement. “I wish to summit extra mountains, however that requires a number of planning and preparation. Possibly, I’ll undertake my subsequent massive trek subsequent yr,” he advised The Hindu.The 74-year-old’s journey from native trails in Wayanad to among the world’s main mountain locations has taken place largely after retirement. Seshadri, who led the Elbrus expedition, stated the summit itself was just one a part of the expertise. “The summit is just one a part of the journey. The preparation, the individuals, the challenges, and the protected return are equally vital,” he stated.The crew needs extra individuals to take up trekking, with its members stressing that the expertise begins lengthy earlier than reaching a summit.For Marce, that journey has already gone from the hills of Wayanad to Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro and now Elbrus. And at 74, he’s nonetheless wanting in the direction of the following mountain.