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My First 50km Ultra: Tata Ultra Marathon 2025—A Night to Remember

 


Crossing the finish line of the Tata Ultra Marathon 2025 with bib number 50200 was more than just a personal achievement—it was the culmination of months of preparation, a test of endurance, and a journey filled with new experiences and unforgettable memories.

The Road to Lonavala: A Family Affair

My ultra journey began in Bangalore, where I laid the foundation with consistent training and a few key races. The Chennai Full Marathon 2025 (bib 42495) tested my endurance over 42.2 km, while the Tuffman Bengaluru Half Marathon 2025 (bib 21248) saw me pacing the 2:20 bus, building both stamina and confidence.

Arriving in Lonavala on Friday afternoon by train, I was greeted by the cool, supportive weather that would set the tone for race night. My mom joined me from Mumbai, and picking her up on Saturday added a special touch—her presence made this milestone even more meaningful.

Pre-Race Jitters and Camaraderie

With the race scheduled for 1 am on February 23rd, the anticipation was palpable. Attempting my first 50 km ultra—90% of which was hilly terrain—filled me with a mix of excitement and nerves. Collecting my bib with my mom by my side, I met incredible fellow runners and listened to their inspiring stories, forming new friendships that would fuel me through the night.

Saturday was all about rest: a light dinner at 6 pm, early to bed, and a focus on hydration and nutrition. My race kit was simple—dates and an electrolyte drink. The night air was crisp, and as I jogged to the starting line, I felt ready.

Into the Night: The Race Begins

The Tata Ultra Marathon is renowned for its challenging elevation and stunning course, certified by the Athletics Federation of India and AIMS. As the clock struck 1 am, hundreds of headlamps flickered to life, illuminating the darkness. Despite the cold, the energy of so many runners attempting the 50 km made the atmosphere feel electric—and surprisingly warm.

I started at an easy pace with Rajesh for the first 7 km before losing him in the crowd and darkness. The night sky was breathtaking, with stars shining above and only the rhythmic sound of footsteps for company. Running at night brought a unique calm, but also required focus and mental strength to navigate the dark, hilly roads.

The Highs, the Lows, and the Finish

Around the 10 km mark, I felt a niggle in my left foot, but determination kept me moving. The hills were relentless, but I embraced the challenge, keeping my pace steady. At 43 km, a supporter on a bike called my name, giving me a much-needed boost—my fastest kilometer of the race came then, clocking in at 5:23.

Crossing the finish line in 5 hours and 48 minutes felt surreal. I could hardly believe I had completed my first ultra, especially on such a tough course. Seeing a friend from the TMM 5:45 group, who had also overcome illness to finish, reminded me of the incredible resilience within the running community.

Reflections and Gratitude

Sharing my result with friends, family, and my coach brought a wave of appreciation and pride. My coach highlighted that finishing a debut ultra with such elevation in under six hours was a remarkable achievement. The support from my mom, the camaraderie of fellow runners, and the encouragement along the course made this experience unforgettable.

Key Takeaways from My Ultra Journey

  • Preparation is everything: Building a strong base with consistent training and race experience is crucial for tackling ultras.

  • Night running is unique: The tranquility and challenge of running under the stars is both humbling and exhilarating.

  • Mental strength matters: Endurance events test your mind as much as your body—embrace the journey and trust your training.

  • Community spirit: The friendships and support within the running community are invaluable, especially on race day.

The Tata Ultra Marathon 2025 was more than just a race—it was a celebration of perseverance, family, and the joy of pushing beyond limits. I’m grateful for every step, every hill, and every moment that made this debut ultra so special.









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