Ten years ago, journalist Preeti Sompura had never imagined herself running long distances. Her only brush with physical activity had been short runs. But in 2014, she laced up her shoes and began her running journey—starting with just 7 km. A decade later, she conquered one of the toughest ultra-marathons in the world: the Comrades Marathon.

This year, Preeti completed the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon in 10 hours, 49 minutes, and 36 seconds—earning a bronze medal in the race category. Known as the world’s oldest and most grueling ultramarathon, the Comrades is not just a test of endurance but of mental and emotional grit. The 2025 race followed the “down run” route, spanning approximately 90 km from Pietermaritzburg to Durban in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.

“The Comrades isn’t just a race—it’s a pilgrimage of passion and purpose,” said Preeti. “The distance itself is daunting, but what truly tests you is the unforgiving terrain, with its rolling hills and punishing elevation changes.”

Preeti had been preparing for this moment for years. She initially aimed to participate in 2020, but the race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, her plans were again disrupted when the Comrades Marathon date clashed with the Indian Lok Sabha elections. Although she completed a 65 km training run at the Kass Ultra, she deferred her Comrades dream to 2025.

Determined to make it count, Preeti trained intensively for over a year. In the final six months, she followed a high-protein diet, eliminating rice, wheat, maize, and milk. Her training included long-distance runs every alternate Sunday and high-altitude hill training in places like Aarey Colony, Malabar Hill, Parsik Hill, Lonavala, Satara, and even internationally in Edinburgh and London. She logged an impressive 1,128 km in the last four months alone—training through the peak Indian summer, where temperatures reached 35°C.

Crossing the finish line in Durban, she was welcomed by an electrifying crowd cheering, “Come on India!” and “Namaste, India!” Preeti shared, “It was a proud moment to run alongside 425 fellow Indian runners, each one a symbol of resilience and spirit. Though the race is over, the energy of South Africa still resonates within me.”

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her coach, Deepak Londhe of Striders Miles, whose unwavering guidance and planning helped her achieve this milestone. She also thanked her family and well-wishers for their constant support.

This year’s Comrades Marathon was especially emotional. Among the finishers were seven officers from the Maharashtra Police, a Navy commando injured in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, a differently-abled runner with a missing left hand, and 65-year-old Vidya Tai from Jalgaon. “Their stories of courage deeply inspired me,” Preeti said. “This wasn’t just a marathon—it was a movement.”

Preeti is no stranger to endurance racing. She has completed 25 half marathons, 15 full marathons—including two World Majors, the Berlin and London Marathons—two 65 km races, and four 50 km ultra-marathons. She most recently ran the London Marathon in April 2025. She is also a two-time Guinness World Record holder.

Established in 1921, the Comrades Marathon is revered as the “Ultimate Human Race.” Each year, it draws around 20,000 runners from across the globe. The 2025 edition saw a record 18,194 official finishers out of 20,972 starters, marking an 86.75% completion rate—an achievement that underscores the determination and spirit of those who take on this legendary course.

Now back in Aamchi Mumbai, Preeti reflects on the journey: “I return not just with a medal, but with a heart full of memories, new friendships, and stories that will stay with me forever.”