Vishal Jhanji of Pune finishes the toughest Frozen Lake Half Marathon
Vishal Jhanji, a resident of Kalyani Nagar, Pune made the city proud by finishing the Frozen Lake marathon that took place in February 2024. The event was organized by the Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh (ASFL) along with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) with the primary objective of fostering environmental awareness.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the event organizers decided to cancel the full marathon, opting for the half marathon instead.
Amongst the Indian and International participants was Vishal Jhanji, a resident of Kalyani Nagar, Pune. To prepare himself, he started regular training, running every alternate day and weekly hill running sessions.
Jhanji said, “Amidst the training, an unexpected slip resulted in a left foot posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). Further complications arose as my knee exhibited pain, swelling, and a sensation of instability, with an X-ray revealing a minor tear in the knee ligament (ACL).
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.”
He arrived in Leh on February 14, 2024, he prioritized 48 hours of rest due to the climate conditions. And later decided to go for a 5 and 7-kilometer run the following two days to adapt himself. On the day of the Marathon, February 20, 2024, the cold caused a delay of an hour in the event’s commencement.
Amidst all the challenges, Vishal Jhanji left his mark as he completed the 21-kilometer half-marathon challenges amidst the given physical and climatic conditions and completed the toughest frozen lake marathon becoming a part of the Guinness World Records.
Other participants included Mahesh Khurana and Bhagwan Singh from Madhya Pradesh, Hitesh and many more.
