COLOMBO: Hassan Esufally has become the first Sri Lankan to run a full marathon in all of the seven continents after overcoming treacherous terrain to complete the Antartic Ice Marathon on 13 December in Antartica. The Sri Lankan marathon star completed the course in 8 hours and 35 minutes.
The ice run was indeed a fitting finale to the 27-year old athlete’s long and tough journey across the endurance landscape spanning the seven continents. A full marathon is usually 42.2 km (26 miles and 385 yards being the historical measure) but each continent presents its own unique challenges and extreme conditions.
Hassan has already completed marathons in the continents of Europe (Stockholm Marathon in June 2017), Asia (Colombo Marathon in October 2017), Australia (Melbourne Marathon in 2014 and 2016), and this year he has completed the Boston Marathon in United States (April 2018). the Big Five Marathon in South Africa (June 2018), and the Inca Trail Marathon in Peru (August 2018), one of the most arduous marathons in the world.
With this latest feat, Hassan has officially gained entry into The 7 Continents Marathon Club™ , an exclusive club of elite marathon runners who have completed some of the most grueling marathons in the world. At present there are less than 300 members worldwide. The Club is exclusive and reserved for athletes who are carefully vetted to prove they have run a marathon within the Antarctic Circle on the Antarctica continent, as well as on the other six continents.
Hassan’s golden milestone has set off celebrations among family, friends, sports fans and well-wishers and congratulatory messages have been pouring in from all corners of Sri Lanka and from Sri Lankans around the world.
Commenting on his international success, Hassan told Global Sri Lankan: “It was spectacular! It hasn’t really sunk in fully as yet but I’m pretty sure when I take some time off, which I am going to do, I’ll probably think “ Wow I did something amazing for my country and created history, a legacy and hopefully it is something that will inspire others to achieve great things! It was like being in a winter wonderland. Honestly, I just enjoyed every moment and soaked in the fact that I am running a marathon in one of the rarest places to go in the world. The course was a four lap 10.55km course. The end was brilliant and was feeling really proud to run with the Sri Lankan national flag over my shoulders across the finish line. It is amazing to know I am the first Sri Lankan to accomplish the Antarctic Ice Marathon.”
The 14th Antarctic Ice Marathon in Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole, and a virtually uninhabited, ice-covered landmass, was held at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level amid poor visibility and an average windchill temperature of 20C with the falling snow making the going even more difficult.
“Due to the heavy snow the feet would sink like running on a beach and it was very uneven. Luckily it wasn’t so windy but visivility was very poor and at certain points I could not see more than about five metres in front of me. If not for the flag I would not know where I was going. However, I kept myself mentally fit too and was extremely positive. I did not feel much pressure, instead I felt the love, support and good wishes from my family, my friends and my community, “ he added.
As for the future steps he planned to take, Hassan said: “ I want to share this story with others, as many people as I can and inspire them to achieve greatness in their lives. In terms of my next big goal, I want to take some time off to reflect and let this achievement sink in. Then I will decide on my future goals in terms of what it is and the timeline to achieve it. I do however want to give back to my country and help under privileged children in Sri Lanka in realising their dreams.”
The endurance expert also expressed his appreciation to his family for their whole-hearted support, especially his wife, Rashida “who has been the most instrumental person in all of this” and his coach, sponsors and Sri Lankans including those living overseas that has helped him achieve global recognition as a world-class marathon man.
HASSAN’S HISTORIC TRAIL
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne Marathon – 2014 and 2016
Hassan made a foray into the world of marathons at his first race in Melbourne. At that point he had absolutely no experience in long distance running, and had only trained for three months prior to the event. Previously, he was involved only in track and field events in High School and had done a 10km race.
EUROPE
Stockholm Marathon – June 2017
A beautiful race throughout the picturesque town of Stockholm. It gives a quintessentially European experience and makes it quite a memorable experience for the participants.
ASIA
Colombo Marathon – October 2017
A very tough race due to the extreme heat and humidity and challenging course with participants having to maneuver through traffic.
NORTH AMERICA
Boston Marathon – April 2018
The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon hosted by several cities in greater Boston in eastern Massachusetts, United States. Begun in 1897, and inspired by the success of the first marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s best-known road racing events.
AFRICA
Big 5 Marathon, South Africa – June 2018
Runners from all over the world meet in one of the most spectacular Big Five game reserves in Africa for the Big Five Marathon. It is known for its challenging course, which takes runners through incredible scenery and showcases the natural beauty and wildlife of South Africa. The run takes competitors’ through valleys and plateaus, over hills and through rivers.
SOUTH AMERICA
Inca Trail Marathon, Peru – August 2018
The Inca Trail Marathon is much more than a race. It’s a marathon which delves into history and heritage of a beautiful paradise. The Inca Trail Marathon to Machu Picchu follows the original pilgrimage trail that leads into the religious capital of the Inca Empire, the legendary “Lost city of the Incas” -Machu Picchu! The run is deemed the world’s hardest marathon because of extreme temperatures, humidity, strenuous over mountain terrain at altitudes ranging from 8,000’ to 13,779’, and the difficulty of the trail itself.
ANTARTICA
Antarctic Ice Marathon – December 2018
The only marathon in the world that is held in the Antarctic Circle. The Antarctic Ice Marathon was established by Richard Donovan of Polar Running Adventures to enable marathon runners to complete a marathon on all seven continents. Its exclusivity ensures that only approximately 50 people, who are amongst the fittest people in the world, run the race every year with a strict cutoff time of 10 hours.
Heartiest congratulations to Hassan Eusufally. He has indeed done the country proud. I hope his achievements will be duly recognized and honored.