Kashyap completes three of world’s toughest marathons

Ultra-marathon runner Rakesh Kashyap has completed three races, including the Badwater 135 in Death Valley, Brazil 135 and the Spartathlon in Greece.

At The Badwater 135 — known as the world’s hottest place — the race covered 217 km from Death Valley to Mount Whitney in California, USA. It starts at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America at 280 feet below the sea level, and ends at Whitney Portal with an altitude of 8,300 feet. The route includes three mountain ranges, desert stretches, and a total elevation gain of 14,600 feet. Rakesh not only finished the race but conquered it, becoming the fastest Indian resident, clocking in at 31 hours and 24 minutes.

With this commendable time as his debut performance, he earned the 19th rank globally, setting a record.

“I also held a record in the India Book of Records for the maximum distance covered by any Indian in 24 hours at the age of 51 (210 km). I covered 150 miles (241 km), becoming the only Indian finisher of the 2025 edition. I ranked 7th globally,” said Kashyap.

Adding another feather to his cap, the Indian athlete completed Spartathlon, a 246 km race in Greece.