Team Runaholics From Pune Makes Mark At Comrades Marathon in South Africa
Pune, 27th June 2023: In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, Team Runaholics, a renowned fitness group co-founded by Dr. Yogesh Satav, who also serves as the mentor and coach of the group, recently participated in the world’s oldest and toughest ultramarathon, the Comrades Marathon, held in South Africa on June 11, 2023.
Under the expert guidance of their esteemed coach, Dr. Yogesh Satav, the team displayed exceptional performance, with all 17 members successfully completing the race and achieving impressive timings.
The Comrades Marathon, known for its challenging 90-kilometer route, has been testing the limits of runners since its inception in 1921. Team Runaholics, based out of Pune’s Hadapsar neighborhood, embraced the challenge head-on, showcasing their unwavering commitment to long-distance running and triathlon events. The team diligently followed scientifically designed training and nutrition plans crafted by their coach over the past 10 months of rigorous preparation.
Dr. Yogesh Satav himself emerged as a standout performer, clocking a remarkable time of 7 hours and 48 minutes. His exceptional performance not only secured him a spot among the top finishers but also earned him the distinction of being the fifth fastest Indian participant in the history of the Comrades Marathon and the fastest runner from the state of Maharashtra.
The remaining members of Team Runaholics also exhibited incredible determination and resilience, finishing the race with commendable timings. These members include Rashmi Satav, Vinod Borole, Swapnil Chimote, Dr. Varad Deokate, Dr. Varun Deokate, Shyam Hingse, Dr. Sharad Ingle, Dr. Dileep Mane, Dr. Rajendra Salunke, Dr. Madanlal Hajare, Dr. Vittal Satav, Dr. Yogesh Gaikwad, Shashank Tilekar, Dr. Sudhir Wadgaokar, and Dr. Shantanu Jagdale.
Just 8 months ago, Team Runaholics had participated in the Ironman event in Kazakhstan, with all 17 members achieving the coveted Ironman title. Rashmi and Dr. Yogesh Satav have garnered a unique reputation in India as a couple who have completed both the Ironman and Comrades ultramarathon.
Mentor Dr. Yogesh Satav provided insight into the race, stating, “Comrades is the toughest race in the world, requiring runners to cover a distance of approximately 90 km in less than 12 hours. The race involves traversing nearly 14 hills with an average elevation of around 1150 meters. There are 6 different cut-off points that runners must reach within the specified time; otherwise, they face disqualification. The Runaholics group was represented by a team of 17 members, all of whom completed the race comfortably within the allotted time. Our group believes in dreaming big, setting goals, and taking action to achieve those goals. We prioritize running as a collective and celebrating team success rather than individual accomplishments. Our group is unique in that we do not charge our members for coaching, as we believe in collective growth and knowledge sharing.”
The impressive performance of Team Runaholics at the Comrades Marathon not only fills the city of Pune with pride but also establishes a benchmark for aspiring runners and fitness enthusiasts across the country.
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