~86 km | ~1750 m elevation | 10:52:06 in June 2024, South Africa
3rd Indian Female Finisher – 2024

Some races stay with you forever—not because of the medal, but because of what they demand from you and what they return in belief. Comrades Marathon was exactly that race for me.

A Dream Beyond Imagination

The Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s most historic and toughest ultramarathons, was something I had admired from far. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself standing on that iconic start line, ready to tackle a brutal ~86 km course with ~1750 meters of elevation.

Crossing the finish line in 10:52:06 and becoming the 3rd Indian Female Finisher of 2024 was not just a race result—it was a milestone that marked the first major achievement of my 2024 season.

Pre-Race Reality: Far from Perfect

Unlike ideal race build-ups, my preparation for Comrades was full of compromises:

• Missed multiple long practice runs
• Last-minute out-of-station travel just two weeks before race day, which affected my diet and daily routine
• Limited hill training, despite knowing the course profile
• Only about 90 days of structured workouts since January

With all this, I honestly did not expect to finish before 11:30 hours. The goal was simple: stay steady, respect the distance, and trust the process.

Mindset Over Mileage

What I carried with me to South Africa was not perfect fitness—but belief.

“Trust your muscles and believe in yourself.”

That mindset became my anchor throughout the race.

On the Course: A Grand Experience

From the very first kilometer, the Comrades route felt unreal.

The energy was electrifying—volunteers, local public, music bands, cheers, and constant encouragement. Every village felt like a celebration. Every cheer pushed me forward. This wasn’t just a marathon; it was a moving festival of human spirit.

Despite less hill training, my body responded well. I found a rhythm early, maintained it patiently, and conserved energy where needed.

The Turning Point: Polly Shortts

The toughest section of the race—Polly Shortts, the most elevated and mentally demanding uphill—tested everything.

Yet, surprisingly, once I crossed it, something changed.

The last 7 km turned into my most enjoyable section of the race.

Even though I started feeling nausea in the last 9 km, the thought of a sub-11-hour finish ignited a new fire. I made a conscious decision to push—controlled, focused, determined.

Those final kilometers became a conversation with myself: Keep moving. Stay strong. This moment matters. And I did.

The Finish: A Moment of Gratitude

Crossing the Comrades finish line within 10:52 felt surreal. Exhaustion, pride, disbelief, and gratitude all merged into one powerful emotion.

This was not just about distance or timing—it was about self-trust in imperfect conditions.

Lessons from Comrades

• Perfection is not a prerequisite for performance
• Belief can compensate when preparation falls short
• Rhythm and patience win ultras
• The mind decides long before the body does

Gratitude

A heartfelt thank-you to:

• Coach Sandeep Kumar, for designing a practical training plan around everyday challenges, offering constant motivation, guidance, and belief
• All mentors, friends, loved ones, and family members for unwavering support
• The Comrades volunteers and local supporters, whose energy made every kilometer special

First milestone of 2024 achieved—but the journey continues.

Comrades didn’t just challenge me—it changed how I see my own limits.