Vishak Krishnaswamy: Running Beyond Limits for Women Empowerment

For many, a stable career in the corporate world is the ultimate goal. For Vishak Krishnaswamy from Dombivili, India, it was a stepping stone to finding his true calling. Armed with a post-graduation in M.Com (Banking and Insurance), Vishak spent five years in the insurance sector. But deep down, the fluorescent-lit offices and paperwork never matched the heartbeat he felt on a running track. His love for sports dated back to his school days when lectures often took second place to the thrill of being on the ground.What is an Ultramarathon?An ultramarathon is any foot race that exceeds the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). Unlike traditional marathons, which are fixed in length, ultramarathons can range from 50 km events to multi-day races covering hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. These races may take place on roads, trails, mountains, or even extreme environments like deserts and polar regions. Ultramarathons test not just physical endurance but also mental resilience, as athletes must manage fatigue, nutrition, hydration, and changing conditions over long periods. For many participants, ultrarunning is as much about personal challenge and self-discovery as it is about competition.The 62 km SparkIn 2017, Vishak participated in his first ultra event, the Mumbai Ultra, covering 62 km in a single day. It was more than a race; it was an awakening. The grueling distance tested his stamina, patience, and mental strength, but it also gave him a sense of belonging. This newfound purpose soon became the anchor that helped him navigate one of the most challenging personal chapters of his life.Turning Grief into GreatnessThe same year, tragedy struck when Vishak’s father passed away due to cardiac arrest. The loss was a heavy blow, but rather than succumbing to grief, Vishak sought a way to honor his father’s memory and give his family renewed strength. That quest led him to an extraordinary feat: a Guinness World Record for running marathon distances for 62 consecutive days at the KDMC Ground in Dombivili.Each day was a test of both physical endurance and emotional resilience. And he did it all without sponsorship, without nutrition support, and without even a free pair of running shoes. Every expense, from training to gear, came from his own pocket.He again made a Guinness World Record by running a half marathon daily for 239 consecutive days.A Mission Beyond Personal GloryNow, Vishak is preparing for what may be the toughest challenge of his career: 10,000 km in 119 days, averaging 84 km per day, to promote Women's Empowerment. This isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about breaking barriers. His journey will span across states, climates, and terrains, demanding peak mental discipline and physical readiness. The mission also doubles as a campaign to encourage communities to back local athletes and nurture them to represent India on global platforms.The Road AheadCovering 84 km a day for 119 consecutive days is a task that demands flawless planning; nutrition, rest, recovery, and mental focus must align like clockwork. Yet, Vishak is no stranger to running through adversity. Having trained without corporate backing and without luxury gear, he has developed a self-reliant, grit-driven approach. Still, he emphasizes one key point:“We must support our own Indian athletes if we want them to represent the nation at the international level”  What makes Vishak’s story compelling is not just his records; it’s the deeply human motivation behind them. He runs not for fame, but to channel grief into purpose, to inspire young athletes, and to give voice to causes that matter. His journey is one of ordinary beginnings meeting extraordinary willpower. Every step he takes is both a personal promise to his late father and an open invitation to others to believe in their dreams, even if the odds are against them.