Thane: Thane resident Dhruva Barua (56), secured second place in the Veteran category at the challenging Silk Route Ultra Marathon in Ladakh, completing the gruelling 122-km course in 20 hours and 15 minutes. The marathon, renowned for its demanding terrain and high altitude, began in Nubra Valley and included an arduous 82-km climb up to Khardungla, the world’s highest motorable peak at 18,000 feet. The race then descended 40 km to finish in Leh city at an elevation of around 10,500 feet. Despite limited practice time and frequent work-related travel, Barua demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to his sport.The Silk Route Ultra Marathon attracts participants from around the world, making Barua’s podium finish at age 56 a remarkable achievement. His discipline, mental toughness, and lifelong passion for running were keys to his success. Barua was a champion sprinter during his school and college years, but took a 25-year break from competitive running due to higher studies and career demands. He restarted his running journey at the age of 48, gradually building up to hill runs and high-altitude training.Barua credits marathon organiser and physiotherapist Dr Sudarshan Singh, whom he met at a free training camp in 2017, for helping him resume professional running. Since then, he has completed three consecutive Tata Mumbai Marathons, each 42 kilometres, with a personal best time of 3 hours and 46 minutes. He also set a personal record by attempting Himalayan tracks four times in a single year. Looking ahead, Barua plans to make his debut in triathlon, which includes swimming, cycling, and running.Barua says he took up cycling during the 2019 covid pandemic and is now working on his swimming skills in the run-up to the ensuing triathlon event. Barua’s dedication has also inspired his wife to pursue marathon as well, and the couple now run together. Last year, Barua finished 11th in a 72-km high-altitude run in Ladakh, and in the previous year, he completed a 42-km run in 5 hours and 3 minutes, standing fifth in his group. For Barua, running is now a way of life and a key to his fitness and well being.
