Pune Runners Shine in South Africa: Yogesh Sanap Sets Indian National Record at Comrades Marathon

Pune, 16th June 2026: Pune’s long-distance runners brought glory to India with record-breaking performances at the world-renowned Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Leading the charge was celebrated ultra-runner and coach Yogesh Sanap, who became the fastest Indian in the history of the prestigious race by setting a new national record.

In the recently concluded event, Sanap completed the gruelling 85.77-kilometre ultramarathon in an impressive 6 hours, 59 minutes and 57 seconds, becoming the first Indian to finish the Comrades Marathon in under seven hours. His performance earned him the distinction of being the fastest Indian ever in the competition’s history.

Joining Sanap in the record books were fellow Pune runners Sarth Sable and Dr. Yogesh Satav. Sable clocked 7 hours, 15 minutes and 8 seconds, while Dr. Satav completed the race in 7 hours, 24 minutes and 46 seconds, making them the second and third fastest Indian runners, respectively, in the history of the Comrades Marathon.

Known as “The Ultimate Human Race,” the Comrades Marathon attracted approximately 21,633 participants from across the globe this year. The 2026 edition marked the 99th running of the iconic ultramarathon and featured the demanding “Up Run” route from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, which includes five major hills and is considered one of the toughest endurance races in the world.

According to the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), George Kouro won the men’s race in a new Up Run record time of 5 hours, 15 minutes and 56 seconds, while Gerda Steyn claimed the women’s title with a time of 5 hours, 49 minutes and 46 seconds.

Sanap, who has qualified for the Boston Marathon on three occasions, described the achievement as surreal.

“I still can’t fully believe that I have broken the record. It feels like a dream,” Sanap said. “I trained by running at least 260 kilometres every week, which included speed sessions, hill workouts and strength training. My physiotherapy team played a crucial role in keeping me injury-free. All these efforts helped me break the seven-hour barrier.”

With an outstanding average pace of 4 minutes and 54 seconds per kilometre, the 39-year-old runner surpassed the previous Indian benchmark held by Deorao Chaudhary, cementing his place in Indian ultramarathon history.

The remarkable achievements of Sanap, Sable and Dr. Satav have not only highlighted Pune’s growing stature in endurance sports but have also inspired a new generation of Indian runners to dream bigger on the global stage.