14 January,2009 06:10 AM IST | | Harit N Joshi
Get, Set, go: Germany-based Indian businessman Hirendra Kurani will be participating in his 100th marathon on Sunday. PIC/MID-DAY ARCHIVES
Germany-based Hirendra Kurani will run his 100th marathon in Mumbai on Sunday
JANUARY 18 is a big day for Hirendra Kurani. The Germany-based 53-year-old Indian businessman will perhaps become the first Indian to participate and complete 100 marathons.
"I am not coming only for the Mumbai Marathon," Kurani clarifies. "I am lucky that a business trip is coinciding with the marathon," Kurani tells MiD DAY from Henstedt-Ulzburg, a picturesque town 30km north of Hamburg.
Enthusiastic
And as the telephone connection and the enthusiastic athlete settle down, conversation becomes more one-sided, with Kurani doing most of the talking. "All my 99 marathons are full marathons (42km) or ultra marathons (more than 42km). Anything shorter than the full marathon is not considered to be a marathon," he says.
But isn't running marathons in short gaps difficult? "No," he says.
"Because I don't believe in participating in X marathons in a year or a month. I participate only if I am fit and confident of completing the race," he says.
It is not surprising for Kurani to be armed with a pair of sports shoes with him wherever he travels for his business trips. "That is how I have run so many marathons. I generally check whether there is any marathon happening in the country where I am travelling," he informs as he recollects participating in his first marathon when he was 46.
Love for running
"I was always fond of running. I used to actively compete in school and college days, but after graduating I had to concentrate on my work and career. And after I set-up my own business, my passion took a backseat," Kurani, who runs an import-export business, recalls.
But when irregular working hours, neglect in diet and a regular quota of German beer began to take their toll, Kurani's focus slowly drifted back on fitness. "Initially, I started off with a light jog and few exercises. And though it tired me, I continued. And as I steadily started getting back in shape, I decided to test my endurance and participated in my first marathon," he recalls.
To his amazement, Kurani completed the marathon. "Extremely excited with my effort, I participated again," says Kurani.
And as the numbers kept increasing, Kurani came to know of the 100-marathon club in Germany (which he later joined). "There are around 250 members in the club.
"They have all run more than 100 marathons or are close to achieving the feat. And being a member of this elite club, is motivation enough to get to that magical figure," he says proudly.
