MUMBAI: City-based Ravindra Verma, a 57-year-old chief loco inspector with Central Railway, has pulled off an inspiring milestone that should resonate deeply with many who feel their time's up when it comes to sport, particularly running.
Verma recently became the first man from Indian Railways to complete two consecutive 'Comrades Marathons,' a prestigious and challenging ultra marathon held in South Africa. This year's race, which took place on June 9, involved covering 85.91 kilometres from Durban to Pietermaritzburg within a 12-hour cut-off time. Verma completed it in 11 hours, 59 minutes, and 8 seconds, earning two medals for his back-to-back finishes. In 2023, he had completed the race in 11 hours, 49 minutes and 10 seconds.
You admire Verma, who lives in Railways Colony in GTB Nagar, even more when he tells you how late he began his journey as a runner. "I started running at the age of 49. Over the past eight years, I have pushed my limits through countless races-half marathons, full marathons, and even ultra marathons. Completing the
Comrades Marathon twice consecutively stands as one of my greatest achievements."
He's now eyeing completing the gruelling Ironman Triathlon in Germany and ten consecutive Comrades Marathons in South Africa.
"I am setting my sights on completing an Ironman triathlon. This formidable challenge includes a gruelling 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer cycling segment, and a full 42-kilometer running marathon," Verma said. "I'm looking forward to achieve the prestigious Comrades Marathon Green Number," Verma said.