What a year 2024 has been! A whirlwind of spirituality, sweat, and self-discovery, this year has pushed me to my limits in the best possible ways. It’s been a year of two remarkable Chardham Yatras—one that took me to the heights of spiritual bliss and another that tested my physical endurance to the max. Each journey has reshaped me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences that came my way.
Spiritual Chardham Yatra: A Pilgrimage to the Divine
In June, I embarked on the first of my two Chardham Yatras—one that took me to four of the holiest sites in Hinduism. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a soul-stirring journey that connected me with the divine in ways I never expected.
- Yamunotri: The source of the sacred Yamuna River, this temple felt like a perfect place to begin my journey. Pilgrims come here seeking blessings for health, and I certainly felt a wave of well-being wash over me as I stood at the river’s origin.
- Gangotri: Ah, the birthplace of the Ganges! Standing at the source of this mighty river was an incredibly humbling experience. It was like a baptism of sorts, a feeling of purification and renewal that I’ll never forget.
- Kedarnath: Now, if there was ever a test of physical endurance, it was this. The steep climb to Kedarnath was brutal—let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart! But the reward? A deep, spiritual connection at the feet of Lord Shiva that made every drop of sweat worth it. The mountains whispered their blessings, and I felt stronger, both physically and spiritually.
- Badrinath: The last stop of my spiritual pilgrimage was Badrinath, where Lord Vishnu’s divine presence enveloped me in peace. The serenity of the place, coupled with the peaceful energy, made this the perfect conclusion to a journey that was as much about inner peace as it was about physical devotion.
This spiritual journey wasn’t just about visiting sacred places; it was about deeply immersing myself in the experience, both physically and spiritually. The climb to these divine sites was an act of devotion in itself, and it filled me with a sense of tranquility and fulfillment.
Athletic Chardham Yatra: Four Marathons, One Epic Year
Next up was my athletic Chardham Yatra—four marathons in one year, each unique in its challenge and thrill. Having missed a race in 2023, I decided to restart the marathon journey in January 2024, and I’m thrilled to share that by the end of the year, I earned the coveted Procam Champion/Finisher title!
- Tata Mumbai Marathon (42.2 km – Full Marathon), January 2024: My year kicked off with the Tata Mumbai Marathon, where I ran 42.2 km through Mumbai’s bustling streets. Let’s just say, this wasn’t a leisurely jog! The city’s energy and the sheer endurance required for a full marathon made this a true test of both physical stamina and mental resilience.
- Bangalore 10K, April 2024: After the Mumbai marathon, I sprinted into Bangalore for the 10K race. This was a whole different ballgame—a short and fast race where strategy and speed took center stage. It was a fun switch from the long distance and a chance to push my pace in new ways.
- Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (21.1 km – Half Marathon), October 2024: The third leg of my athletic journey was the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. It was a milestone moment for me, as this race marked my 49th half marathon—and my first half marathon, back in 2017, was the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon! Running through South Delhi’s iconic streets, battling varying weather and elevation, was both a physical and mental challenge that tested my limits.
- Tata Steel World Calcutta 25K, December 2024: The final race of my year was the Tata Steel World Calcutta 25K. Kolkata’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with a unique race distance, gave me the perfect challenge to wrap up the year. And fun fact: this was the first event where the race started in daylight! A fitting finale to my athletic journey.
Each marathon came with its own challenge, but completing all four was nothing short of epic. The long-distance endurance of the full marathon, the speed of the 10K, the grit needed for the half marathon, and the intensity of the 25K all tested me in different ways. Traveling from Barmer to cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata, I had to adapt to different climates, crowds, and vibes. Each race was not just about the miles; it was about adapting to the energy of each city and learning to push through whatever challenges came my way.
The Ultimate Test: 104 km Run with Milind Soman
As 2024 came to a close, I participated in the most intense event of my year—running a staggering 104 km with my mentor, the legendary Milind Soman, from Porbandar to Dwarka. This was my third consecutive Last Long Run (LLR) with Milind, and it was by far the toughest but most rewarding challenge I’ve ever faced.
This wasn’t just about running a long distance; it was about testing every ounce of my endurance and mental focus. Running alongside Milind Soman, who has inspired countless fitness enthusiasts, was an experience I’ll never forget. We ran through beautiful landscapes, had deep conversations, and shared moments of reflection. The run wasn’t just physical; it was a journey of self-discovery and mental strength.
Finishing the 104 km run with Milind was the ultimate way to close out an extraordinary year of personal growth, discipline, and dedication.
Reflecting on 2024
Looking back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the journeys—both spiritual and athletic—that have shaped me. The two Chardham Yatras—one that deepened my faith and the other that tested my physical limits—have been the defining moments of the year.
Completing four major marathons and running the 104 km with Milind Soman tested my strength in ways I never imagined. Each race and every challenge taught me something new about my resilience, discipline, and capacity to grow. From Mumbai to Delhi, Bangalore to Kolkata, and finally the 104 km journey in Gujarat, I’ve learned that it’s not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about embracing the journey and everything it teaches along the way. 2024 was a year of transformation, growth, and personal triumphs. I’ve become a better version of myself, and I can’t wait to take on whatever challenges the future holds. It’s been an incredible ride, and the lessons I’ve learned will continue to guide me as I move forward, both as an individual and as an athlete. Let’s see where the next adventure takes me!
Contributed by Brijesh Oza
