The Sahyadri Hills Ultra Marathon marked the dawn of a new era at Vrattanta. The route, meticulously chosen to give the participants an experience they would never forget, the rolling Sahyadri Hills with gurgling streams along the course, and the refreshing weather with sporadic showers of rain throughout awaited the commencement of the maiden event with much eagerness.
The lead-up to the event comprised a plethora of tasks to help make the maiden event one that would persist in the participants’ minds for a long time. The weeks leading up to the much-anticipated race day saw a rush of chores from getting t-shirts printed and filling up goody bags, to picking up fresh veggies and coordinating across volunteer groups. Anticipation was building as the event day drew closer and we at Vrattanta couldn’t wait to see what the weekend had in store for us.
ULTRAMARATHON PREP IS ON
Friday the 11th of August, the night before the event, the excitement of all the volunteers who had congregated to help out with the event, wafted through the air and could be felt as one drove along the winding roads of the Sahyadri Hills. There was a frantic sense of urgency to help get everything set up in time for the big day along with eagerness to see the participants put on enthralling displays of sportsmanship on the track. With bated breath and anxious minds, the volunteers reluctantly went to sleep to help give their best for the next 2days that the event would continue.
The hydration stations across the route were buzzing with energy in the early hours of the 12th of August with volunteers setting up the required nourishments to hand out to the participants along the gruelling course. The start-point of the race saw an immensely energised crowd consisting of both the runners and the participants waiting for the race to begin, which would mark the start of a revolutionary era in sporting events held in India.
As one looked out at the sea of runners coming together to get ready for the race, the spectrum of athletes present, from young first-timers to veteran athletes, created an instant sense of community among everyone. The 15 minutes prior to the event were marked with warm-up sessions, stretches and a quick brief by the Vrattanta Team regarding the route that the participant would be traversing. One look at the crowd and you could see eager eyes waiting to be on the track and showcasing their athletic abilities.
ATHLETE SHOWDOWN
The clock struck 7, and the runners took off. Cheers rang shrill through the air and the culmination of months of hard work all led up to this very moment. As the athletes disappeared into the winding roads on the hills, the volunteers scrambled to get everything ready for the next time the participants came around to have some refreshments.
PODIUM AND MORE
The hours went by as the volunteers got to their tasks, and the anticipation kept building to see the first athlete cross the finish line for the 50 Km category. The wait came to an end with thunderous applause erupting with the first finisher in the 50 KM category, Yash Kumar Raj, crossing the finish line. His relentless pursuit of the finish line and outstanding performance left a lasting impression on all of us volunteers and spectators. The other podium finishers for the 50 KM category started rolling in and the energy at the finish line was one to witness.
As the time came around for the athletes participating in the 75 Km category to come in, Yuvraj Patil emerged as the champion in the highly competitive men’s 75km category. His remarkable stamina and unwavering spirit allowed him to conquer the challenging course, making him a true inspiration for all. Yuvraj’s achievement serves as a testament to the human will’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
In the women’s 75km category, Mahejabin Ajmanwala showcased exceptional strength and resilience, earning the top spot on the podium. Her dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity were nothing short of awe-inspiring. Mahejabin’s victory not only celebrates her personal achievement but also inspires women to embrace the world of ultramarathons with confidence and determination.
Mamta Sharma’s performance in the 100km category was truly exceptional. With unwavering determination and remarkable endurance, she completed the demanding 100km race in an impressive 13 hours, 38 minutes, and 18 seconds. What’s even more impressive is that Mamta’s achievement was not limited to her time alone; she also finished ahead of several male athletes. Her accomplishment is a testament to her incredible athleticism and indomitable spirit, breaking gender barriers and proving that excellence knows no boundaries.
Akash Sunar’s performance in the men’s 100-mile category was nothing short of astonishing. He demonstrated incredible endurance and unwavering determination as he completed the gruelling 100-mile race in an impressive 27 hours, 23 minutes, and 36 seconds. Akash’s achievement serves as a shining example of human resilience, pushing the boundaries of physical and mental strength to accomplish the extraordinary.
In the women’s 100-mile category, Aparna Ch showcased exceptional tenacity and determination, completing the challenging 100-mile race in a remarkable 29 hours, 18 minutes, and 36 seconds. Her achievement not only reflects her personal dedication but also inspires all aspiring ultramarathon runners, especially women, to aim for greatness and embrace the world of endurance sports with courage and determination.
Nikhil Raut displayed outstanding endurance and speed in the men’s 25km category. He surged ahead of the competition, completing the challenging 25km race in an impressive 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 24 seconds. Nikhil’s accomplishment showcases not only his physical prowess but also his dedication to excellence, setting a high standard for all aspiring runners.
In the women’s 25km category, Madhuri N Gaikwad proved to be a formidable force. She conquered the demanding 25km race with remarkable determination, finishing in a commendable 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 41 seconds. Madhuri’s achievement is a testament to her exceptional athleticism and unwavering commitment to success, inspiring women everywhere to embrace the world of endurance running with passion and dedication.
Alongside the podium finishers, all of the participants have etched their names in the annals of ultramarathon history with their awe-inspiring accomplishments. Their dedication and perseverance are a testament to the extraordinary feats that can be achieved through hard work, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. With over a day’s worth of constant running, pushing physical limits to their zenith and a beautiful combination of determination and perseverance, all the finishers were awarded a trophy and the podium finishers got to relish in the glory of beautiful trophies bejewelled with enormous crystal stones that Swarovski sponsored.
As the event wrapped up, the impressive performances of all the participants served as an inspiration to all, encouraging individuals to strive for excellence in their pursuits and reaffirming the idea that hard work and determination are the keys to success in any endeavour. With the end of the Sahyadri Hills Ultramarathon, Vrattanta is looking forward to creating many more experiences that will leave you wanting more and is looking forward to seeing what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.
RUNNER’S PLEDGE
Keeping in line with our values of giving back to society, our Runner’s Pledge has helped raise Rs6510 towards our partnering organisation for this race, Muktangan. The total distance run by the participants across all categories was an astounding 6510Kms and we have made the effort to donate Rs10,000 to Muktangan to help further their charitable cause. We look forward to undertaking similar donations in the future with the help of all our participants and being the crux of change in our society.
VOLUNTEER HEROES
The success of Vrattanta’s maiden event would be nothing close to the success it was without the time and effort of each and every volunteer who was out on the field, helping out the participants and making the event as much of a pleasant experience as possible. The work assigned to the volunteers needed them to put on their hats of multi-tasking while having a smile on their faces as they went about their duties and it was carried out with utmost perfection.
From selecting fresh produce to cooking meals, to bib distribution and manning the hydration stations; the volunteers did not stop short of providing a seamless experience to the participants and we at Vrattanta are incredibly grateful to have had their helping hand with this race.
Check out our next race at Kangra Hills for another experience surrounded by rolling hills and scenic views!
