We're here to help! If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the events, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone or email, or simply visit our contact page to leave your information, and we'll be in touch with you promptly to address your concerns.
Call for details:+91 9206265087,
+91 8150944084
You can find us at:305/306, 3rd Floor, Excellency Building, Papanna street, St Marks Road Bangalore 560001
Running Together for 48 Hours: Sunil and Sangeeta Shetty’s Guinness World Record Journey
In August 2017, Sunil and Sangeeta Shetty etched their names into history by setting aGuinness World Record for the longest distance run by a couple in a 48-hour stadium run, completing the feat in Bangalore. At a time when ultra running in India was still in its infancy, their performance stood as a pioneering moment for endurance sports in the country—and a testament to what’s possible when love, discipline, and passion converge.
Pioneering Indian Ultra Running
Sunil recalls how ultra running used to be a niche pursuit, mostly dominated by athletes over 40. It wasRunners for Life (RFL)who initially introduced ultra races in India, creating an opportunity for enthusiasts to go beyond the marathon distance. Building on this momentum,NEB Sports launched stadium runs in 2014, setting the stage for what would become a historic run for the Shettys.
Recognizing that no couple had previously attempted a 48-hour stadium run together, Sunil and Sangeeta set their sights on an audacious goal—to be the first to do it, and to do it well.
A Training Journey Fueled by Teamwork
Preparing for a 48-hour run is not just a physical undertaking—it’s a logistical, emotional, and mental challenge. Their training started5–6 months prior, involving:
High mileage runs
Back-to-back long runs on weekends
Overnight runs to simulate sleep deprivation
Recovery-focused training blocks(3 weeks high mileage, 1 week recovery)
They leaned on each other for motivation, ran together, and even adjusted their training for safety—like usingtreadmills for night runsduring the monsoon season or dark hours. They opted fornatural foodssuch as bananas and boiled potatoes during training instead of commercial gels, emphasizinggut-friendly nutritionandhydration with electrolyte solutions.
Their preparation was entirelyself-supported, aside from family encouragement. No crew, no sponsors—just grit and shared determination.
Strategic Pacing: How They Tackled 48Hours
Their record attempt began on aFriday evening, taking advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures. The strategy was to:
Run consistently through Night 1, while the body was still fresh
Slow down during the heat of Day 2
Pick up the pace again on Night 2
The second night proved to be the toughest—both mentally and physically. Sunil initially aimed to hit300 kilometers, but due to a drop in blood pressure toward the end, he wisely slowed down under medical advice and closed out the run with266 kilometers.
They tookshort walk breaks every 20 minutes, changed shoes and apparel every 12 hours, and supported one another constantly. The ability to remain mentally strong and physically present over 48 hours is what made this effort world-record worthy.
Pre-Race Confidence, Not Pressure
Sunil and Sangeeta entered the stadium in Bangalore with calm confidence. The evening before the race, they picked up their bibs and offered advice to newcomers running in shorter formats. Years of experience and mutual support gave them an edge—not just in preparation but also in mindset.
Sunil notes thatstadium runs offer unique advantages: constant access to hydration, nutrition, and other participants for motivation—making them ideal for ultra efforts.
A Race Unlike Any Other
Reflecting on the experience, Sunil remarked that 48-hour runs are in a league of their own. Unlike marathons, where you often finish eager to sign up for the next race, this wasan event so grueling that the thought of repeating it was daunting—even for seasoned ultrarunners.
Yet, they finished it—together. Setting a world record, overcoming physical breakdowns, managing pacing, hydration, and nutrition, and above all,redefining what shared endurance can look like.
A Legacy of Togetherness
Sunil and Sangeeta Shetty’s 48-hour world record is more than just a milestone in Indian ultra running—it’s astory of partnership, resilience, and pioneering spirit. In an era when endurance sports are rapidly evolving in India, their achievement stands as a beacon for other couples and athletes to explore what’s possible when you dream, train, and push boundaries—side by side.
Team NEB
