Ludhiana bizman completes marathon on frozen Pangong Lake
Was only participant from state in unique event
A proud moment for Ludhiana as 38-year-old businessman Sandeep Khurana successfully completed the challenging Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon at the famous Pangong Lake.
Sandeep was the only participant from Punjab in the unique marathon. Otherwise, about 450 participants from across the country and even from Nepal took part in the event. The marathon, which took place at an altitude of 4,350 metres (14,270 feet), ensure running in extreme cold weather of -20°C. He finished the 21-km half marathon in two hours and 57 minutes. It was his first marathon and he has decided to take part in the event every year.
Sandeep dedicated the marathon to his favourite Bollywood legend Dharmendra. During the race, Sandeep wore a special T-shirt with Dharmendra’s photo on it as a tribute to the actor.
His effort was also noticed by actor Sunny Deol, who replied to his post on Instagram and appreciated the tribute. “Congratulations and dher saara pyar”, Sunny Deol replied on Sandeep’s Instagram post.
While talking to The Tribune, Sandeep said after he decided to take part in the unique marathon, he prepared for about two-and-a-half months and gather as much as stamina as he had to run on the frozen lake and that too in the extreme weather conditions. Running on a frozen lake at such a high altitude and low temperature was difficult but he completed the race with determination.
“Running on a frozen lake cannot be explained in words, it can only be felt,” he said.
When asked about the reason for participating at such a high altitude, Sandeep said in October last year he visited Ladakh and also the Pangong lake where he saw banners of the scheduled marathon on the frozen lake. Without giving a second thought, he decided to take part in it.
“Before taking part in the marathon, every participant has to stay in camps for eight days where they climatise the participants so that no one face any issues during the event. They give training and share tips to take part in the challenging race. Though I couldn’t get the first three positions but it was a good and learning experience to be part of the event and I would continue to participate in the same,” the businessman said.
Sandeep’s achievement is an inspiration for many people in Punjab, showing that with dedication and hard work, any goal can be achieved.
