Arora keeps J&K’s flag high at International scene
*Sparkles in prestigious Ironman Championship
Rajesh Dhar
JAMMU, Oct 7: Ace athlete of the State, 43-year old Jammu man Kapil Arora, after shinning in South Africa, many a time, in various adventurous events including the most gruelling and the oldest ultra marathon in the world namely ‘Comrades Marathon’ for four consecutive years earlier, has blossomed in prestigious Ironman Championship held on September 30, 2018 at Rio de Janeiro, the Capital of Brazil.
This was Kapil’s second outing in this prestigious Championship and completed it with flying colours.
The son of the soil, Kapil who was the only participant from India in Ironman Championship, completed 1.9 kilometers swimming in ocean, 90 kilometers cycling and 21 kilometers run on foot in 7 hours, 9 minutes and 45 seconds.
“It is always an uphill task to complete such a huge distance in seven hours. I am proud of my son, who makes me to feel ecstatic,” said Kapil’s proud father on the achievements of his son.
Kapil Arora, son of MK Arora (Surveyor & Loss Assessor and Bank Valuer) and Rita Arora (House Wife), belongs to Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.
He had started running around 13 years back when he met his coach and national level athlete, Brinston Miranda and started training along with his corporate life, which included a 12 years working with corporate like ICICI Bank and Reliance Mutual Fund, with which he is still working.
Talking to Excelsior, Kapil said that the ‘Ironman Championship’ is a unique event as it involves three events-swimming, cycling and running, adding that it takes nerves to swim, run and ride at a stretch for hours together, without any break. Kapil has been a brand ambassador of leading sports brand “Puma”. Till date, he has completed 4 ultra marathons and 10 full marathons including an international one at Athens (Greece), best marathon time being 3.41 hours. Two years back, he also successfully completed Ironman Championship, a triathlon event held in Thailand, which included 1.8 km swim in sea, 90 km bike and 21 km run back to back.
There are 22 half marathons also in his name, best half marathon time being 1.38 hours in 2015.
In Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2016, he was nominated as being the fastest pace settler (1.45 hours). Besides, he also successfully completed PNB MetLife Satara Hill Half Marathon 2015, which set a new record for the Guinness World Records title.
“Running very long distances is always an uphill task, but it is very much satisfactory when you complete these distances successfully. I feel good when I run and I feel ecstatic when I reach the finishing line,” said Kapil in his telephonic conversation with EXCELSIOR.
He attributed his success to his coach, parents and sheer-dint of hard work.
On his preparation to compete in such big events, Kapil said, he had to counter the hot and humid Mumbai climate as he used to start running from 2 am at night to 8 am in the morning each day.
“Sleep deprivation, extreme exhaustion, running on hills all night for 50-52 km was a difficult task but nothing could stop me from preparing for my mission”, he added.
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