A walk in the majestic Sahyadris, far away from the din of Mumbai, nestled in the arms of nature…
Now, imagine a walk in the Sahyadris, on a jagged, unforgiving trail, racing against the clock to finish 100 Km in 48 hours. Imagine having to motivate not just yourself, but 3 of your teammates, to keep raging against the dying light, and to keep walking through the night. Imagine fighting hunger and dehydration, to keep pulling through and get to the finish line. Doesn’t sound like a walk in the park anymore, does it?
The Oxfam Trailwalker races are popular across the world for precisely these reasons. Teams earn the title of ‘Trailwalkers’ by raising to the enormous challenges of the race, and fundraising in the process for disenfranchised local communities. It is no wonder that the Oxfam Trailwalker races attract highly motivated teams of individuals and corporate teams. Keeping crews of 4, going for 48 hours is no mean task. The trails are grueling and it is crucial to ensure that the trailwalkers were hydrated with a drink that was capable of supporting them through the terrain for every 10 Kms between check points. Unived Sports was honored to be chosen as the Oxfam Trailwalker’s Official Energy partner for the Mumbai edition held from 5-7 December, 2014.
Our hydration and endurance drink RRUNN During was entrusted with the responsibility of hydrating trailwalkers over their 48-hour long journey. RRUNN During, with its isotonic hydration and endurance enhancing capabilities was an ideal running mate for the trailwalkers; a drink that could rise to the challenge of the Oxfam Trailwalker. The Unived Sports crew of 4 reached Garudmacchi, the flag-off point of the race a day before the commencement of the race to ensure that all 10 check points were equipped with RRUNN During.
Before the sun could even illuminate the Sahyadri ranges, the air dense with excitement, the crews were flagged off at 6 A.M. by popular running evangelists Rahul Bose and Milind Soman. Milind’s 74-year mother, Usha Soman, along with her three daughters would go on to gloriously finish the 100 Km mark in less than 48 hours. Every crew exuded inspiration, as their forged their way through the mountains. The teams from GoQii and Goldman Sachs were living up to their formidable reputations and stayed strong from checkpoint to checkpoint.
The highlight of the race came from those for whom conquering challenges is a way of life – The Indian Armed Forces. The three teams from the Indian Army trail blazed their way through the landscape, flagging off with the cry of Bharat Mata Ki Jai!. They somersaulted into checkpoints, staying at every checkpoint only long enough to replenish themselves with RRUNN During, and continued onwards like a juggernaut to take the first three spots on the final leaderboard. So stupefying was their performance that the race organizers had to spontaneously create a new race category for the army teams. The ‘Gladiator’ team finished in first place, with the Jawans clocking in at just over 13 hours, in a race designed to be run over the course of 48 hours – Unived sports salutes them!
We were pleased with the chance to hydrate our friend, vegan athlete and mountaineer, Kuntal Joisher who was part of the ‘Snow Leopards’ team. Kuntal recalled his incredible 2013 Oxfam Trailwalker journey thus, I personally feel that anyone and everyone from all walks of life can participate and complete the Oxfam Trailwalker. It’s an amazing opportunity to take your health in your own hands by training and being fit for the event, and at the same time raising funds for a great cause. A truly remarkable journey towards physical and mental health!
We concur with Kuntal. Set in the stunning environs of the Sahyadris, inspirational athletes battling on for a great cause, and the celebration of the human spirit – what more could we ask for?
We are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to hydrate another trailwalker! RRUNN During will be energizing the crews at the Bangalore edition of the Oxfam Trailwaker from the 23-25 of January, 2015. What a great way to start an athletic New Year!
We wish to thank the entire organizing team and the tireless volunteers who were there to support athletes at every crucial juncture of the race. The flawless organizing of the event made it an absolute pleasure for the Unived Sports team. We are proud to be a partner for a world-class event and a great cause.
