Mumbai's Ultra-Marathon runner, Raj Vadgama completes 222 kms in 47 hours 20 mins at LA Ultra
Sports and fitness enthusiast, Raj Vadgama recently successfully completed 222 kms in a span of 47 hours and 20 mins at LA Ultra, which kicked off on 17th August 2017. Vadgama, a Marathon Coach, Limca Book Record Holder and Founder of Xtreme Sports India is at the forefront of India’s running and fitness revolution. Raj's run at LA Ultra was powered by Edelweiss Group, India’s leading diversified financial services firm and supported by the Goregoan Sports Club.
LA Ultra is arguably the toughest ultra-marathon run in the world as the average altitude for running is about 17,500 feet. It crosses two passes i.e. Khardungla (18,380 ft) and La Wari (17,500 ft). At LA Ultra, Raj ran in temperatures fluctuating from 40 Degree C hot to MINUS 6/10 C cold in matter of 6 hours. Depending on the altitude, the atmospheric pressure was also reduced to 50 per cent of what it is at sea level which will affected his oxygen intake.
By successfully completing LA Ultra, Raj has redefined the limits of human endurance and mental & physical endurance. Today, Raj is at the forefront of India’s running and fitness revolution. A sports and fitness enthusiast, he has carved a niche for himself in the international fitness industry over the last two and half decade.
Speaking on this achievement, Raj Vadgama said, "Running 222 kms was extremely tough and challenging for me. One needs to be well prepared and know the facts like the route, terrain, etc and have the right amount of training. I would like to thank Edelweiss Group for believing in me and supporting me in this endeavor. I would also like to thank my colleague, Arvind Bijwe who supported and motivated at times when I felt low".
Raj also added, "This run was more like life, unpredictable, challenging and fun. It taught me to have positive attitude towards everything and be prepared for any circumstances."
Congratulating Raj on his successful achievement, Mr. Rashesh Shah, Chairman and CEO, Edelweiss Group says, "It has been an honor for Edelweiss to be associated with the Raj who is an inspiration to many people in India. Running at such high altitudes and difficult weather is very tough and I would like to congratulate him on this feat. We wish him the best for his future runs and hope he achieves greater heights."
Who is Raj Vadgama?
Raj, 49 years, traces his roots to a traditional middle class Gujarati Family in Mumbai. Brought up like most others in a community where a career in the health space is not the first choice, it was Raj’s personal inclination from the age of 14 to leave a mark through his footsteps and take on the fitness journey across the world.
He regards “The Legend Bruce Lee” as his biggest inspiration. Rooted to his humble beginnings, he vividly remembers how he dropped out of standard 12th and from there on after a series of ups and downs created a place for him in the interior designing industry. But all these years, he secretly wished to make a mark in the fitness industry some day.
It was in 2004 that an advertisement in News paper regarding International Marathon held in Mumbai inspired Raj to run. He came out with flying colors in his first marathon completing it in less than 5 hours. Since then, he has traversed thousands of miles including hours of practice sessions, marathon, ultra races, and the journey is on. 2012 served to be that remarkable turning point when Raj left his thriving business to step in to the fitness industry full time.
Raj Vadgama is the first Indian who has successfully completed "Bharathon 10000", in 2016, an ultra-marathon across India, covering, 9,902 kms in 165 days at an average 60 km per day, making it the first and the longest self supported cross country run, for which he is awarded by the LIMCA Book of Records for creating this National Record. Raj has also recently completed 160 kms at the Kargil International Marathon in 28.30 hours. Over the last 3 decades, Raj has successfully completed several ultra marathons across India and has achieved multiple recognition's for the same.