San Fernando-based runner Anthony Bisnath has achieved something quite extraordinary this year, completing 100 half-marathons—99 of them during training and the final one at the UWI International Half-Marathon. The 44-year-old has maintained this incredible pace through sheer determination, having also run 1253 consecutive days since July 18, 2021. His running spree began with his first 5K back in 2013 and transformed dramatically after accepting a friend's challenge to participate in the UWI Half-Marathon, which led to what he refers to as a life-altering experience.
Reflecting on this unexpected path, Bisnath recalls, “I had no idea what I was about to put my body through. I was determined...so could I. Well, I ended up paying dearly for it during the race, telling myself I would never run another half-marathon again.” Yet, like many runners before him, the initial soreness was fleeting, and soon he was drawn to the challenge once more. Fast forward to 2024, and his 100th half marathon was completed last week, marking just another day of achievement for the committed athlete.
Bisnath's dedication is commendable, as he averaged two half-marathons per week. “At the moment it doesn’t feel any different from the other 99. Woke up with the same routine and mindset...what we do today is what matters the most,” he emphasizes. The completion of his 100 half-marathon streak is well-documented on the activity app Strava, and he hints at possibly completing three more races before Christmas, all depending on how much he indulges during the holiday feasts.
This unique streak of perseverance shines through Bisnath's words, as he blends physical endurance with mental fortitude. The motivation behind his extraordinary feats tracks back to health benefits and maintaining balance as he juggles his role as business sustainability manager. “I have a healthy appetite, so it’s a zero-sum game,” he jokes, adding weight to his exploration of extreme activities beyond running.
Bisnath’s approach to running has become second nature to him, boasting over 80 miles of training weekly, even managing recovery walks to recuperate from work. Despite the high mileage, injuries have been surprisingly minimal, largely attributed to his discovery of tai chi running, which helps alleviate stress on his body. “The most challenging part has been road awareness,” he notes. “Thankfully, I’ve had no issues or close calls...but being alert to any threats, especially in the darker hours, is always on my mind.”
When asked to choose his favorite distance, Bisnath does not hesitate to declare the half marathon as his preference. “5Ks and 10Ks are for sprinters...by the time I get my second wind, that's when my race starts,” he shares. He also relishes scenic routes, especially those accompanied by ocean views, asserting, “There’s something special about the clean, crisp country air and quieter roads.”
Beyond the envelope of his personal achievements, Bisnath offers inspirational words for aspiring runners: “Set a goal, and go for it. If you fail, so what? Get up and try again...you are your own and only competition.” His ability to convert challenges and failures to lessons learned is evident as he considers future goals and pursuits for 2025.
Shifting the narrative to Jammu, athletes are demonstrating their own forms of achievement. Recent performances at the Jaisalmer Border Ultra have put Jammu on the map of ultra-running excellence, with over 850 participants competing.
One standout from the event was Samvit Sharma, who clinched the overall title in the 100-mile category, setting a national record with his remarkable time of 16 hours, 10 minutes, and 45 seconds. His victory is important not only personally but for eleving Jammu’s presence on India’s ultra-running scene.
First-time competitors also achieved great feats, including Vivek Magotra and Ronit Verma, who finished their 100-mile races with respective times of 19 hours, 39 minutes, and 57 seconds, and 26 hours, 41 minutes, and 31 seconds. Sahil Sharma improved his previous personal best by over seven hours, completing his race in 19 hours, 49 minutes, and 1 second.
Excelsior’s reporting emphasizes the determination of athletes from Jammu, noting Sahil Saini's impressive debut at 12 hours, 00 minutes, and Tina Sahi’s advancement as the only female runner from Jammu to set her personal best at 14 hours, 32 minutes, and 20 seconds for the 100-km category. Overall, these exceptional performances cement Jammu as rapidly becoming a burgeoning hub for ultra-distance running.
From international ultra-marathons to local running palaces, the sport showcases the diverse journeys of runners like Anthony Bisnath and Samvit Sharma. And as athletes set their eyes on future goals, their aspirations continue to inspire both seasoned participants and newcomers alike.
Lastly, Nkosikhona Mhlakwana shares his objectives for the 2024 running season, expressing his intent to return to basics after noteworthy achievements and setbacks. Recognized for his podium finishes at significant events, Mhlakwana has opted to concentrate on shorter distances as he prepares for his ultimate goal of conquering the Comrades Marathon.
“This year was one of the best seasons I have had,” he reflects on his performances, notwithstanding his inability to enter the top ten at multiple highly competitive marathons. Mhlakwana remains optimistic, still eyeing the prestigious Comrades title as he trains for faster times, seeking to optimize performance gradually. “I have analysed myself thoroughly, and I know...I can win Comrades,” he asserts, resolved to maintain his upward momentum and continue chasing newfound ambitions.
From Bisnath's relentless marathon pursuit to Sharma’s record-breaking run and Mhlakwana’s strategic retreats, 2024 poses as both a year of phenomenal achievements and challenges for runners throughout the globe. Every mile paved, every challenge met, adds to the vibrant mosaic of endurance running.
