Ultra runners of Pune pushed the limits of endurance as a 24-hour community marathon unfolded without pause at Amanora Sports Arena on Saturday.



Leading the challenge, Santosh Padmanabhan and Gagan Buttan ran through day and night, completing the full 24 hours amid constant community support. “Twenty-four hours teaches you how powerful a steady mind can be, especially when the whole community lifts you.” said Santosh while narrating his experience. Further, Gagan added, “There is no sleep and no breaks. You learn to trust your training and the people cheering for you.”



Punekars showed huge enthusiasm as hundreds gathered at the venue for a 24-hour community marathon. The event brought together ultra runners, families, children and senior citizens in support of local charities. The event featured continuous running through the night, along with shorter categories that kept the venue active with cheering, music and performances. Ultra runners completed the full 24 hours while volunteers, residents and participants cycled in throughout the day and night, creating a steady, festival-like atmosphere built around endurance and generosity.



Organiser Vinayak Lele shared, “Running became a reason for everyone to show up for each other and that’s what made this event a success.”



Other ultra runners who took part in the event included Jerode Benjamin A., who completed the full 24-hour run, and Manmohan Sharma, who finished a 50 km run.



The aim of the non-commercial 24-hour running event was to spread awareness about the benefits of running and to raise funds for children and women from vulnerable sections of society. The funds raised will be donated to Sarthak Seva Sangh, Spherule Foundation, Sai Vishwanath Memorial Trust (SVMT), Adarsh School and Amrut Bharati Shikshan Sanstha – Mahavir Nivasi Matimand School.



The event was organised by the running group Runner’s High and was supported by venue partner Amanora Park Town and health partner Sahyadri Hospitals.




Pull Quotes



At some point the fatigue becomes meaningless. You just keep moving.




- Vivek Sonagra, first-time ultra runner