Soldier eyes Guinness record, begins 4,300-km run under 50 days
Indian soldier Naik Velu is all set to make his 30th birthday memorable as he left for a mission to enter his name in the Guinness Book of World Records by running from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, a distance of about 4,300 km, under 50 days. Notably, in June last year, Velu became the first Indian ultra-runner to complete 1,600 km in 17 days.
His last year's ultra-run in process of becoming Asian record
His last year's run is in the process of being entered as an Asian record. "Naik Velu, serving as a Nursing Assistant in the 60 Para Field Hospital, is an ultramarathoner who is attempting a Guinness world record by running from Kashmir to Kanyakumari for a distance of 4,300 km under 50 days," Udhampur-based Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lt. Col Abhinav Navneet said.
He was flagged off from 92 base hospital at Srinagar
To start this epic feat, Navneet said, "Velu, who is celebrating his 30th birthday on April 21, was flagged off from 92 base hospital at Srinagar on Friday with a heartwarming gathering of enthusiasts." "They accompanied him in his solo run for the initial five km carrying the national flag and boosting his morale," he said.
Velu would be running 70-100 km per day
"To cover this mammoth distance from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in 50 days, Velu would be running 70-100 km per day, crossing major towns, cities, and states," Navneet said. The PRO said, "Velu has already won many ultra-marathons, Tuffman runs and Stadium runs across India."
Velu joined the Army in December 2011
"After covering a 200 km distance from his starting point, Velu left Udhampur headquarters at 7 am Saturday and is on way to Jammu, running 10 km per hour," he said. Born on April 21, 1991, at Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu) and having represented his state in athletics at the age of 13, Velu joined the Army in December 2011.
His first achievement in the Army was in 2012
Velu's first achievement in the Army was a gold medal in the cross-country 12.5 km run in 2012. He subsequently shifted his interest to ultra-marathons and brought many laurels to the Army by making many such records.
Velu represents the India team of Athletic Federation of India
Velu represents the India team of the Athletic Federation of India since 2016. "In the coming September, he would be representing India for a Stadium Run at the world championship which would be held in Romania, for which he had won a trial run of 24-hour stadium running held at Bengaluru," Lt Col. Navneet said.
