Pune, 27th June 2023: Team Runaholics, a renowned fitness group based in Pune, has made an indelible mark at the prestigious Comrades Marathon, the world’s oldest and toughest ultramarathon, held in South Africa on June 11, 2023.
Led by their mentor and coach, Dr. Yogesh Satav, who co-founded the group, Team Runaholics displayed exceptional performance and determination, with all 17 members successfully completing the grueling race and achieving impressive timings.
The Comrades Marathon is renowned for its challenging 90-kilometer route, pushing runners to their limits since its inception in 1921. Undeterred by the difficulty, Team Runaholics, hailing from Pune’s Hadapsar neighborhood, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, showcasing their unwavering commitment to long-distance running and triathlon events. Over the course of the past 10 months, the team diligently followed scientifically designed training and nutrition plans meticulously crafted by their coach in preparation for this momentous event.
Dr. Yogesh Satav, an exemplary runner himself, emerged as a standout performer, completing the marathon in a remarkable time of 7 hours and 48 minutes. His exceptional performance secured him a place among the top finishers and earned him the distinction of being the fifth fastest Indian participant in the history of the Comrades Marathon, as well as the fastest runner from Maharashtra.
The remaining members of Team Runaholics exhibited tremendous determination and resilience, crossing the finish line with commendable timings. The team includes 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 successfully achieving the coveted Ironman title. The remarkable achievements of Rashmi and Dr. Yogesh Satav, who have completed both the Ironman and Comrades ultramarathon, have garnered them a unique reputation as a couple in India.
Reflecting on the race, mentor Dr. Yogesh Satav shared, “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. Runners must reach 6 different cut-off points within specified times to avoid disqualification. The Runaholics group was represented by a team of 17 members, all of whom comfortably completed the race within the allotted time. Our group believes in dreaming big, setting goals, and taking action to achieve those goals. We prioritize collective running and celebrate team success over individual accomplishments. We have a unique approach of not charging our members for coaching, as we believe in collective growth and sharing knowledge.”
The outstanding performance of Team Runaholics at the Comrades Marathon fills the city of Pune with pride and sets a benchmark for aspiring runners and fitness enthusiasts across the country. Their unwavering dedication and exceptional achievements inspire others to push their limits and strive for greatness in the world of long-distance running.
