Dombivali Ultrarunner Vishak Krishnaswamy Claims Guinness Glory: 2,583 km in 61 Days
“I have broken the earlier record held by Ashish Kasodekar who ran for 60 consecutive days.”~ Vishak Krishnaswamy
At first light on November 1, 2022, Vishak Krishnaswamy crossed the finish line of his 61st consecutive 42 km run, completing 2,583 km at Dombivali’s Savalaram Maharaj Sports Complex. The 29-year-old software professional turned endurance athlete officially surpassed Ashish Kasodekar’s Guinness World Record of 60 days, with every kilometer verified under strict protocol.
Each morning for two months, Krishnaswamy circled the 540 m track 78 times monitored live by Guinness-appointed witnesses Sumanth Suvarna, Alpesh Marde, Laxman Kale, and Sudhakar Patil. A remote supervisor in London reviewed real-time footage and GPS data, ensuring compliance with Guinness standards. The regimen allowed no rest days, no deviations. Throughout the challenge, he braved diverse weather, including heavy downpours on several days, undeterred by monsoon remnants.
The journey began in 2017 when Krishnaswamy, then a 24-year-old IT professional, was moved by Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. From casual jogs on Dombivali streets, he progressed to competitive ultras: second in Bengaluru’s 72-hour 300 km, second in the Hennur Bamboo 220 km, and third in the 161 km Pune Ultra. In 2022, he set a Guinness record for 21 consecutive barefoot half-marathons.
A barefoot running advocate, Krishnaswamy credits the technique for reducing leg stress and enhancing stride efficiency, drawing from studies on natural gait mechanics. His parents instilled early values of fitness, which he now promotes to combat sedentary lifestyles exacerbated by COVID-19, urging community involvement in physical activities.
This latest feat demanded meticulous planning. Daily nutrition, idlis, bananas, hydration, fueled a schedule that blended full-time work with training. “I ran to the station, worked, ran home,” he told reporters. Sleep averaged four hours; discipline was absolute.
Dombivali rallied behind its champion. Public Works Department Minister Ravindra Chavan greeted him on the final morning. The Shrikant Shinde Foundation and senior civic officials honored Krishnaswamy in a ceremony attended by political leaders and residents. Local pride swelled as national media spotlighted the suburban track that hosted a global record. A fire brigade team saluted with a two-minute siren, while KDMC Commissioner Dr. Bhausaheb Dangade and local Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Kadam praised his dedication.
With the certificate secured, Krishnaswamy now trains for the Ultra Barefoot Run, aiming to represent India on the international stage. His 61-day odyssey born in ordinary lanes, forged through extraordinary resolve stands as a benchmark in Indian endurance sports and a testament to structured ambition.
