Running Tales by Sudipto

Tag: hellrace

  • Journey to Sleeping Buddha

    Buddha Trails is an Ultra race of 65 Kms, +3300 mtrs elevation, conducted in Rimbick, Darjeeling, West Bengal. The race starts at Rimbick Bazaar, then it takes the runners through Srikhola bridge to Dhupi tar and then to highest peak of West Bengal, Sandakphu. From the Sandakphu peak, four 8000+ mtrs mountain ranges of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse & Kanchenjunga, are visible. After climbing the peak, the runners run along the ridge upto Phalut and then start descending to Gorkhey, then to Ramman and finally through Srikhola bridge towards the finish point at Rimbick Bazaar. A runner has to complete this course wthin the cut-off of 15 hrs.

    For many years, I had the wish of participating in this race due to its scenic beauty the course had to offer. Every year I used to get dissuaded due to the high number of leaves required for this race because of travelling and acclimatization time. Finally in 2024, I decided to participate in this race, and if required, sacrifice any other event in later part of the year. I started my journey on Wednesday (11 March) by flying to Bagdogra airport & from there took a shared cab from Darjeeling Mod to Rimbick (individual cabs can also be booked, however it is cost effective, if in a group). The journey to Rimbick took ~5 hrs including the lunch break en-route. I had booked a home stay near the start point itself, so that I don’t have to travel much. After reaching in evening around 4:30 PM, I went for a short walk in the nearby area alongwith my homestay host.

    The next day morning, I went for a run of around 12 kms, till Srikhola bridge and back to Rimbick Bazaar. Again, in the evening, I went out for a short walk of ~4 kms in the nearby areas in search of monastery (unfortunately couldn’t locate that day). I was discussing with my host, that I wanted to gain altitude so that I could get acclimatized to the thin air, he recommended climbing to a nearby area, which would help in this endevours. So the next day morning, we started hiking towards an area, which was high in altitude, and fortunately I crossed the monastery, which I had missed the previous day. After hiking for about 1.5 hrs, we could gain upto 2900 mtrs only & then we decided to turn back. After coming back, I had a continuous slight headache giving an indication of exposure to less oxygen. I knew the race day could be difficult as we would be going upto an altitude of +3700 mtr, & should try to cross those areas as early as possible.

    The day prior to the race day, I went for an easy 6 kms run in the morning, to keep the muscle activated. Later in the day collected my bib, attended the race briefing by the race director and then prepared my kit for the D Day. After the bib collection had submitted my drop bag consisting of another pair of shoes, socks, gels to the organizers. However, during the entire preparation, I did a blunder in mis-calculating my clothing, which could have proven costly on the race day.

    The Route
    Elevation Chart

    Race-Day

    Rimbick to Sandakphu (18 kms): The race started at 5 AM with final cut-off at 8 PM & intermediate cut-offs at Sandakphu, Sabargram & Gorkhey. My strategy was to reach Sandakphu, by 4-4.5 hrs being the major climb & then try to complete the race within 14 hrs.  I started the race with moderate pace, saving the energy for the difficult climbs ahead, the first aid station was at Srikhola bridge at 5.5 kms which I covered in ~40 mins. Immediately after crossing the bridge the climb started, having 2 aid stations before reaching Sandakphu. The next aid station was at Gurdum (10 kms into the race), which I took- ~2:15 hrs to reach, after taking electrolytes, fruits, I moved on towards the next station. At this point of time, the climb was getting steeper & I was feeling colder, which I hadn’t experienced during the training runs. Both of my hands, which was uncovered as I was not wearing the gloves, was completely cold and I didn’t had any sensation in them with moving them becoming extremely difficult. Somehow, I managed to reach the next aid station at Dhupi Tar(14 kms) in 3.15 hrs, hearing my plight another benevolent runner Mr. GS shared his gloves with me. As there was a hut nearby, I warmed my hand with the kitchen fire and with the help of aid station volunteers, managed to wear those gloves as I was unable to move my fingers as they had bent. After this I moved with more vigour as the next aid station of Sandakphu (18 kms), was the highest point of the race and the culmination of biggest climb. I managed to reach Sandakphu in 4.30 hrs & after having electrolytes, potatoes, oranges, I immediately left the aid station, as I didn’t want to spend to much time in a high-altitude place.

    Sandakphu to Sabargram (32 kms): The next cut-off was at Sabargram at 1PM, which was the location of drop bags as well. From Sandakphu, it was mostly a downhill to the next aid station of Thukum at 25 kms & just few meters from the aid station, photographers were clicking the pictures of the runners, as I was running in no mans land (there was no runner before or after me for some distance), the photographers were kind to take my pics with the Sleeping Buddha. After relentless climbing, this stretch gave somewhat a breather being downhill or without elevation gain for most of the path. In Thukum, refilled my hydration bag & moved towards Sabargram, this stretch again had uphill & elevations alognwith rarified oxygen due to altitude gain. My pace in this stretch reduced drastically (was walking mostly) & was overtaken by few other runners. The positive about this section was, it was very beautiful & had different feeling with the fog cover. I reached Sabargram at a slower pace than expected, I changed my socks, had some light snacks & moved towards the next aid station.

    Sabargram to Phalut (39 kms): In this stretch we were running along the mountain ridge & was mostly rolling. The motivation was, that after reaching Phalut, it was mostly downhill for the next 10 kms, with 2 minor climbs later on. I interacted with few people, who were taking their material on ponies towards Nepal and the aid station volunteers at Phalut, were also from Nepal. The aid stations always give an opportunity to interact with fellow runners, as some would leaving the aid-station, the other entering the aid station & some taking a breather at the aid station for few minutes. Here, interacted with few runners, joked about the route we had encountered & prayed that the balance route would be good.

    With “Sleeping Buddha” in background

    Phalut to Gorkhey & Samaden (50 kms): This stretch was through the jungle – single track & all downhill, being beautiful & scary at one-time. The organizers had informed that the lunch will be served at Gorkhey village (49 kms), & I was cruising in this stretch in the hope of having a meal. However, after reaching Gorkhey as I couldn’t find the aid-station, I was afraid, that had I taken any wrong route & would have to back track all those steps. I called the Race Director, to verify the location of the aid station, he confirmed that the route was correct but the aid station was moved to Samaden, which was another 1.5 kms away & after climbing a small hill. In the aid station, I had light lunch of dal rice & decided to not take much time, and moved out from there in 7-8 mins. At this point of time, I had been running for ~10 hrs & it was approx. 3PM in the day. My aim was to complete the race before the sundown, so that I don’t have to run in the dark.

    Samaden to Ramman (54.3 kms): This section was the last major climb of the race, after so much running, this became more difficult. However, 2 factors that acted as motivation was, this was a very beautiful jungle section, with multiple rivulets, small bridges adorning the surroundings & the 2nd being, after this aid station, it was all downhill. I didn’t click pictures in this section as I didn’t wanted to lose more time. This is the section, were a dog started following me & we started running with each other giving company. At Ramman, the aid stations volunteers confirmed that the jungle section has been completed & the next sections, were through villages, jeep tracks.

    Ramman to Srikhola (59.8 kms) : This section was total downslope & runners mostly slow down, due to the prior pounding of the legs. As I didn’t wanted to run in the dark, I kept on grinding (may be breezed) through this section & started crossing many runners. When I reached the Srikhola aid station, still there was sufficient light as it was ~5PM & one of the organizers known to me, told me that more runners can be over taken in the last stretch.

    Towards Rimbick the Finish Line (65kms): As I had earlier practiced in this stretch, this was a known route without any major surprises. I cruised through this, knowing that, I would be able to finish before the sundown. As I approached Rimbick, local populace started cheering as they had been doing for all the runners & in the final few meters I egged on few kids to run along to the finish line.

    It was a feeling of relief after completing the grueling race. I returned the gloves to the runner who had given it to me at the finish line. I went back to the home stay, took bath & had some tea, omlette for the dinner as I couldn’t have a full meal. My courteous home stay host, collected the drop bags from the finish line, for me & other runners and letting us to rest.

    The next day, I started early in the morning at 5AM following the same route to Bagdogra & to Bengaluru.

    Hope to return to this place, some other time, may be for more days.

  • The Hell Race – Story of my second 100 Miler

    PRELUDE

    Border 100 is an ultra-marathon race consisting of 50 kms, 100 kms and 160 kms categories. The event is inspired by Battle of Longewala fought in 1971 by the Indian and Pakistan armies and therefore is conducted in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

    The name BORDER evokes an emotion as this was the movie which had inspired me to join the armed forces. Therefore, an event with the same name had to be participated. Further, the race was to be conducted on the eve of Battle of Longewala and Navy Day on 3-4 December.

    It was around June 2022, I decided to participate in the event to be conducted in December 2022 and started mentally preparing myself. For physically training for the event, I gradually tried to increase the distances I ran in practice and the kilometers/ month. I could not increase it to desired level till     September 2022 due to various other commitments. However, my training again was halted due to a bout of fever in the month of November 2022, because of which I couldn’t practice for 10 days.

    I had a self-believe of completing the race as I had completed it earlier in 2019 with lesser practice the important aspect to be taken care of was proper planning and execution.

    PRE-RACE

    I traveled to Jaisalmer one day prior to race-day on 2 December 2022 and reached my stay at around 1 PM. After having my lunch, I started preparing my drop bags as they had to be submitted during the bib collection in the evening. Drop bags normally contain essential items like headlights, clothes, shoes, any specific food items etc which runners might use during the race and they are kept at pre-decided points. As I was doing 160 kms, 2 main drop bags were at 50 kms, 100 kms and drop bag of 160 kms had clothes for changing after the race. At 50 kms, I kept winter wear and at 100 kms, change of clothes, headlights, battery bank.

    After having a shot nap in afternoon, I went for collecting the bib at 4 PM and submitted the drop bags. Later there was a briefing by the Race Director about the race route, safety precautions, hydration etc. I walked back to hotel, had tea and rested for a while. Later in the evening, to distract my mind of the race-day, I went for a walk near the market area had 2 glasses of Kadai Milk and came back after having dinner. I tried sleeping, but due to tension it was difficult, so I started watching a movie and eventually slept at around 11:30 PM.

    RACE-DAY

    I woke up late, around 8 AM, as I was trying to get maximum sleep, because no sleep would be possible for the next 28-32 hrs. After having breakfast, I arranged my hydration bag (this essentially contains water and other items like headlights, electrolytes, salt capsules, charging cables). At around 10:45 AM, I started towards the race venue (Indira Indoor Stadium) and the wait started for the race to commence. At 12 PM, the race was flagged off by Army Commander of the region.

    RACE

    Part 1

    The sun was burning hot at that time of the day (~38-40° C) and sunset time was around 6-6:30 PM. My strategy was to divide the race into smaller sections, so that they are easier to achieve. Accordingly, I had divided the race into 4 sections 50-100-130-160 kms and a total target of sub 24 hours. I had targeted to complete first 50 kms in ~5 hrs 30 mins and not exert much in the heat as it will affect in the later part of race.

    The aid stations are points arranged by organizers of the race where water, electrolytes and other eatables are available and were positioned at intervals of 10 kms. I was having oranges with salts, bananas, electrolytes from these aid stations and salt capsules to prevent de-hydration. I was able to complete the these 50 kms within the pre-decided target. Here I accessed my drop bag, wore the full lower and took down jacket alongwith me (didn’t wore at that time as temperature was not too cold) for protection from cold. I didn’t had dinner at this point as it was 5:30 PM and I intended to do that at 60 kms point.

    Part 2

    The next target was 100 kms, which I had decided to complete by 11:30 PM-12 AM (~6-6.30 hrs) and not to wait at that aid station for long time. Because this will cause a negative impact on mind, as the feeling to stay in the comfort zone will be stronger causing wastage of crucial time.

    Keeping this target in mind, I was running and at 55 kms, I found another runner PG, who was running at similar pace like me, so we decided to stick together during the night as running alone could be depressing. Sunset happened during this time and we started using our headlights and reached the 60 kms point at 6:45 PM. I had Dal, Chawal, little salad, filled my hydration bag and started our running.

    We were considering the upcoming 10 kms as targets to make them seem smaller and easier to achieve. I started doing run+walk after 75 kms, due to slight cramp in my right leg and pushing the pace during that time could have aggravated the cramp. We went along sharing our running stories and keeping a lookout for road markings, so that we don’t go on wrong route. I was conscious about controlling the hydration as improper food/water/ salt intake could have curtailed the race. At 96 kms, PG went ahead as he had a chance of being a podium finisher in 100 kms category. I completed the 100 kms in 12 hrs 57 mins just before 1 AM in the night but 1 hr after the pre-decided target.

    At this station I changed my clothes, charged my watch and refueled with Maggi, this took around 25 mins and started towards the next target of 130 kms.

    Part 3

    I had decided to reach 130 kms point by 5-6 AM (~ 5 hrs for 30 kms) and started running while listening to songs from mobile for staying awake (this was the first time I was using mobile for listening to songs while running). The next 10 kms, I covered swiftly as we were told, that this aid station will also have solid food, however, the hot food was yet to be delivered at that point. So, I had oranges and went along for the next 10 kms. At this point, I was feeling sleepy and also, I was hallucinating headlights in the front and at back. I thought, maybe I could catch the runner in front or the runner behind me, may catch me so that I will have some company. However, when I think later, they might not be runners as I couldn’t find anyone for the next 23 kms.

    After reaching 120 kms, there was a motivation that at 130 kms hot food will be available as informed by the organizers. However, the going was very slow, because I stopped on multiple occasions due to sleepiness and the temperature had dropped drastically (~7-12° C). At 4-5 AM the sky was really dark with no moon light and only wish was to see the sunlight. I reached the 130 kms aid-station at 6:10 AM and had a small cup of Pasta-Maggi mix as recommended by the Race Director, who was present at that check-point. I also enquired about the sunrise time and he informed that in next 15 mins, light will be visible.

    Part 4

    So, I started from this aid station with only 30 kms remaining and ~5 hrs 45 mins for a sub 24 hours finish. However, I was only walking at this point of time due to excruciating pain in my glutes and thinking that by walking the race could be completed in 24 hours. This stretch was rolling with continuous up slopes-down slopes and reached the 140 kms point at 7:40 AM.  I realized that sub 23 hrs finish will be possible, if I push myself, this thought re-invigorated me. I refueled my hydration bag in shortest possible time and started running the down slopes, walking on the up slopes. I was mentally calculating my pace and anticipating to enter the hallowed grounds of Longewala.

    At 150 kms aid station, I decided to wait for little time and move ahead, thus started my reverse countdown of the kms to finish line. After 159 kms, I could suddenly see the Longewala War Memorial from top of an upslope, and couldn’t believe that ultimately the finish point had come. Therefore, I removed the naval ensign from my hydration bag, hoisting it at the finish line in memory of a brother and finished my race in 22 hrs 41 mins. It was a feeling of relief after completing the grueling race.

    POST RACE

    After the race, I had lunch at the finish point and was transported back to Jaisalmer by the organizers. After returning to hotel, I took bath and slept, however it was difficult due to the pain. In evening, I decided to go to Golden Fort and buy some souvenirs for home, had dinner and returned to hotel. The next day I returned to Hyderabad and thus my sojourn with the Hell Race finished at last.

  • White Sand Ultra (135 Miles)

    Prelude: The Path to Madness
    It all began at the finish line of TMM 2024. Despite completing the race in 4 hours and 7 minutes, it wasn’t the time that bothered me but rather how I struggled to cross the line. “What’s next?” became the question that haunted me. I made several conscious lifestyle changes and revamped my training schedule, setting my sights on Border (100 miles) and another race exceeding 200 kilometers.

    Introduction
    As I sit to pen down the experience of White Sand Ultra, which happened a week ago, the feeling is surreal. The blistering heat, endless roads, and moments of both despair and triumph have left an indelible mark on my soul. This is the story of how I pushed my limits across 135 miles of unforgiving terrain, and what I discovered about myself along the way.

    Initially, I planned to participate in Hennur Bamboo Ultra (220 kms) but had to downgrade to the 100 kms category due to a knee injury the week before the event. Then, as if by divine intervention, the registration for White Sand Ultra opened shortly after. I was amongst the first ones to register for the event, with Bib No: 7 – my sisters birth date, proving to be lucky.

    Race Preparation
    After completing the Border Ultra (100 miles) in December 2024, I methodically increased my mileage in preparation for WSU. My training progressed well until the Tata Mumbai Marathon, as my schedule faced a significant setback when multiple illnesses forced a training pause from late January through mid-February.

    Upon recovery, I carefully rebuilt my base mileage, incorporating afternoon runs on weekends to build heat tolerance. While Bengaluru’s afternoon heat seemed beneficial for training, it proved significantly milder compared to the conditions awaiting me in Bhuj. As part of my final preparation, I participated in the Jarakabande Eco Ultra, covering 100 kilometers, two weeks before the event. This served as both a long training run and an additional heat adaptation opportunity.

    Weekly Average (Mileage)
    Monthly Average (Mileage)

    The Journey Begins: Travel to Dholavira
    The ultra-running journey begins well before the actual race, with travel logistics presenting their own unique challenges. My route to Dholavira required multiple transitions: first flying from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, followed by a bus journey to Bhuj. After spending one night in Bhuj, I shared a cab with other runners for the final leg to Dholavira. This multi-stage journey highlighted how reaching the race location itself can be as demanding as preparing for the run.

    Day Before the Race
    The day before the race, I and a few fellow runners embarked on a 4 kms walk from our lodging to the bib collection point at 4 PM. This walk served a dual purpose: to test our resilience in the evening heat and to mentally prepare for the upcoming challenge.

    Following this, we took some time to appreciate the local scenery, visiting a sunset viewpoint for sightseeing and to capture some pre-race memories. This combination of practical preparation and moments of relaxation helped balance our focus as we approached the start of the ultramarathon.

    Before retiring for the day, I prepared my drop bags (details of contents in appendix) to be submitted to the race organizers, carefully considering what I would need at each aid station throughout the long journey ahead.

    Race Day Morning
    On the morning of the race, I awoke filled with nervous anticipation, the culmination of months of preparation finally at hand. After breakfast, I attempted to get some additional rest, knowing sleep would be scarce in the coming days. Though not entirely restful, I managed to doze off for a while.

    Around 1 PM, I had lunch and then changed into my race gear, mentally transitioning into race mode. The organizers provided transportation from our lodging to Evoke hotel, where the pre-race briefing was scheduled. At 3 PM, the Race Director gave a briefing for all race categories. Typically, I would take notes on course directions, but this time I found myself without a pen. Instead of worrying, I left it to “Bhagwan and Hell Race (organizers) bharose” with a backup of their GPX file loaded in my mobile.

    The Race Begins (0-46 kms)
    The race was flagged off from sunset point at 4:20 PM on 22 March, 2025. The sun was harsh during the start, coupled with slight rolling terrain in the initial kilometers. I controlled my pace, trying to maintain my heart rate in the aerobic zone.

    At around the 13 kms mark, we took a right turn towards what locals call the “Road to Heaven.” For kilometers, there was nothing on both sides of the road as it was engulfed by salt pans and Kutch Lake, with the only hope being the aid stations placed every 7 kms. After 7:30 PM, the temperature started dropping slightly, and from 9 PM onwards it became pleasant.

    The major aid station was at 46 kms, which I reached at 9:20 PM (5 hours into the race). However, by this time I was experiencing severe back pain, mostly due to strain in my glutes, which came as a surprise to me. At the aid station, I stretched, changed my socks, and had dal rice, which took approximately 20 minutes.

    Into the Night (47-96 kms)
    Seven hours into the race, I realized that blisters were developing on my left foot. Despite this, the cooler temperatures were enabling an improved pace, and I didn’t want to stop. Ultimately, the blister popped, giving me relief from the pain.

    This section followed a highway with intermittent villages, with both sides of the road encompassed by shrubs and trees. At 66 kms, we connected to another highway, and at approximately 71 kms, we took another right turn towards White Rann. After a few kilometers, this turned into a single-lane highway until the 94 kms mark.

    This single lane highway broke my rhythm as I had to get down from the highway whenever a truck passed, which was frequent. In retrospect, I could have increased/ maintained my pace in this section to save on time, an area for improvement in future races. I reached the 96 kms aid station at 5 AM (12.5 hours into the race). I again stretched my glutes and back, changed my clothes, charged my watch, had dal rice, and after spending 30 minutes, headed towards my next target of 128 kms.

    96 Kms Aid Stations
    Road to Heaven
    Blood Stained Shoes

    Morning Progress (97-128 kms)
    I targeted reaching the 128-km aid station by 9:30-10:00 AM so that I could have breakfast. The favorable morning conditions helped maintain a strong pace. It even felt cold when I washed my hands with water. To prevent further chill, I covered my hands with a bandana.

    It’s important to maintain humor during these grueling ultra-races, and small incidents help with this—like noticing NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) following the marking done by the Hell Race team, creating an unintentional partnership that made me smile despite the fatigue.

    NHAI Road Markings on Hell Race Markings

    This aid station was at a highway junction, and I reached it at 10:30 AM (approximately 18 hours into the race). As breakfast wasn’t available, I adapted by fueling with boiled potatoes—a good source of quick energy for ultra-runners. After some motivating exchanges (with very dark humor) with the race organizers at the checkpoint, I pressed on toward the 161-km mark, maintaining focus on proper pacing and nutrition for the remaining distance.

    The Heat Returns (129-161kms)
    The sun beat down mercilessly as I faced the most grueling stretch of the race on Day 2. At the 132 km mark, salvation arrived in the form of a buttermilk bottle offered from the Race Directors’ car—a heavenly oasis in the scorching desert of fatigue. The change in taste was refreshing, a stark contrast to the now- unbearable electrolyte drink that had sustained me earlier.

    With each step, the heat seemed to intensify. Every 10 km became a ritual—shoes off, socks peeled away, a desperate attempt to dry my feet and keep the dreaded blisters at bay. The highway stretched endlessly before me, a ribbon of shimmering asphalt with no respite in sight.

    At 138 km, a kind-hearted biker offered me a lift, unaware of the internal struggle his gesture sparked. I declined, explaining the race rules, but the encounter left me with an amusing conspiracy theory—were the organizers testing our resolve with these tempting offers?

    My loyal companion from 140-147 kms was an unexpected one—a stray dog, matching my pace stride for stride. Its presence was oddly comforting in the unforgiving landscape. The occasional bus stand became an oasis, offering fleeting moments of shade. Even my trusted Decathlon sunglasses (Cat 4) betrayed me, the heat turning them into instruments of discomfort against my skin. Mental note: invest in better gear for the next adventure.

    As I approached the 147 km aid station, the media crew appeared like mirages. I only ran for a few meters when they were clicking photographs and taking media grabs from me. Those few meters of running felt like a performance, a stark contrast to the relentless march that had become my reality.

    More fun awaited at the 149th km when we entered a trail patch (yes, a trail in a road ultra), which lasted until 155 km. A humorous sign along the path lifted my spirits, though I only ran when the media crew was photographing—a small vanity that made me laugh at myself.

    140-145 kms
    The Trails
    “Nachi RD” – 150 Kms

    Upon reaching the 157 km mark at Juna village, the route became confusing with multiple turns. I used GPX navigation to stay on course. Finally, after running solo for the entire distance, I spotted three runners ahead – a welcome sight that boosted my morale. We exchanged stories of our struggles in monosyllables, the shared experience creating an unspoken bond.

    I finally reached the 161 km aid station at 4:10 PM (approximately 24 hours into the race). Due to my overtaking fellow runners, the organizers greeted me with good-natured teasing about taking shortcuts and the consequences of cheating—their humor providing a welcome break from the grueling run. I changed my clothes, had dal rice, and moved on towards the final frontier.

    Road to Heaven (161-183 kms)
    During this section, I implemented a run-walk strategy that helped maintain a steady pace. As sunset approached, conditions became more favorable. My goal was to reach each aid station—positioned every 7 km—within one hour, a strategy that proved successful.

    Pushkar bhai (Media chief) arrived with his crew during sunset and requested a running shot for documentation. Motivated by the photo opportunity and a brief surge of energy, I accelerated to a 5-min/km pace for about 2 km, surprising even myself with this reserve of strength.

    Sunset in Road to Heaven

    The Darkest Hours (183-204 kms)
    Despite expectations of favorable nighttime running conditions, I struggled with severe cramping in my glutes and quads. My focus narrowed to one goal: reaching the T-junction beyond the Road to Heaven section.

    At 192 km (29.5 hours into the race), I finally arrived at the T-junction at 9:40 PM. Baba bhai (a Race Organizer and my lucky charm), kindly helped me with some much-needed stretching. After a 20-minute rest break, I continued toward the 6 km out-and-back loop.

    The Race Director warned me about reptiles and snakes on the roadside and advised me to tread cautiously. The stray dogs were another menace in this section, and carrying a stick as a deterrent helped ease my mind. I mostly walked this section of the 6 km stretch until U-turn point, as running had become impossible.

    While returning, I started seeing runners on the opposite side, which was an encouraging sight, breaking the night’s solitude. I again started my run-walk strategy and reached the T-junction at 204 kms, 32 hours into the race.

    Walking in Media Glare (190 kms)
    Me with my friend “The Stick” (204 kms)

    The Final Miles (204 – 217 kms)
    Entering the final 13 km stretch, a renewed sense of energy coursed through me as I realized completion was within reach. This section presented increased challenges with more aggressive dogs. I met the patrolling car of the Race Director, who advised running in the middle of the road to avoid potential reptile encounters.

    I alternated between running and walking as I pushed towards the finish line, drawing on my last reserves
    of strength. The journey reminded me of a fundamental truth in ultrarunning: the road teaches humility.

    This lesson manifested at the finish line, where I arrived to find no fanfare or welcoming team. Momentarily doubting if I had reached the correct location, I checked inside the temple and found sleeping volunteers. I gently woke them to confirm my race completion.

    The ultramarathon experience, with its solitary moments and quiet finish, reaffirmed that true glory in this sport lies not in external recognition but in the personal triumph of endurance and perseverance. I finally completed the race at 2:37 AM (Monday morning), 34 hours and 17 minutes after starting, finishing in 4th position overall.

    Post-Race Reflections
    The hydration support from the Hell Race team was exceptional, ensuring that runners were well taken care of throughout the event. Hats off to the volunteers, both mobile and fixed, as they braved the same elements as the runners while ensuring our well-being. I have massive respect for the Hell Race team, volunteers, and Race Director who were absolute legends—keeping us hydrated, fed, and safe through this incredible challenge.

    After completing the race, exhaustion overwhelmed my appetite, so I skipped the post-race dinner. The organizers kindly arranged transportation back to our hotels. The following day, I began my journey from Dholavira to Bengaluru, connecting with fellow ultrarunners along the way and enriching my experience through their shared wisdom and stories.

    Race Route
    At Finish Line with Race Director

    Lessons and Future Horizons
    This race taught me several valuable lessons:

    1. Respect the Environment: The extreme heat of Bhuj/ Dholavira requires specialized training that even afternoon runs in Bengaluru couldn’t fully prepare me for.
    2. Gear Matters: My experience with blisters and sunglasses discomfort highlighted the importance of testing equipment in similar conditions.
    3. Mental Resilience: The ability to find humor and maintain focus despite physical pain proved crucial to completion.
    4. Community Strength: The encouragement from fellow runners, organizers, volunteers and even a stray dog highlighted how ultrarunning, though solitary, is supported by a community.

    The question “What’s next?” gnaws persistently at the back of my mind. It’s a familiar internal struggle – my heart has known the answer for years, whispering of greater challenges and new horizons. Yet, my mind counsels caution, urging patience and restraint for now.