Vishal Jhanji, a resident of Kalyani Nagar, Pune, has made headlines by conquering the toughest Frozen Lake Half Marathon, held in February 2024. Organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) in collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), the event aimed to promote environmental awareness.
Due to challenging weather conditions, the organizers made the decision to cancel the full marathon, opting for the half marathon instead.
Vishal Jhanji, a determined participant, embarked on a rigorous training regimen, running every alternate day and incorporating weekly hill running sessions into his routine. Despite facing unforeseen challenges such as a left foot posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) and a minor tear in the knee ligament (ACL) during training, Jhanji persevered.
In the face of adversity, Jhanji recounted, “Despite being advised by the doctor to rest for the next six months, my determination is what kept me going through the excruciating pain with the help of balms, ice packs, meditation, and inner motivation.”
Arriving in Leh on February 14, 2024, Jhanji prioritized 48 hours of rest to acclimate to the climate conditions. Undeterred by the challenges, he went for 5 and 7-kilometer runs on the subsequent days to further adapt. On the Marathon day, February 20, 2024, a one-hour delay occurred due to the cold weather.
Despite the hurdles, Vishal Jhanji left an indelible mark by completing the 21-kilometer half-marathon amidst demanding physical and climatic conditions. His remarkable achievement has now earned him a coveted place in the Guinness World Records.
Among the other participants were Mahesh Khurana and Bhagwan Singh from Madhya Pradesh, Hitesh, and many more who embraced the challenge of the Frozen Lake Half Marathon.
