BENGALURU: Visualise this: Running a gruelling 160km race across a rugged mountain terrain, with a staggering 27,000ft of elevation gain, all within 36 hours! Sounds like a superhuman feat, right?
Meet Ashwini Ganapathi Bhat, a Bengaluru resident who will be taking part in the ‘Lake Sonoma 100 Miler Sufferfest’ trail run in California, US, on Feb 1. The challenge includes two loops around the wintry and muddy shoreline of Lake Sonoma, a sheer mental and physical test of endurance.
But how did a tech professional transform into an ultra-trail runner?
“It all started in 2016 when I decided I’d had enough,” Ashwini told TOI while reflecting on her nine-year IT career. “The travel times, the traffic — it all felt like too much. I wanted to do something different.” An IT professional with a background in electronics, communication, and an MBA in project management, Ashwini started running in 2014 when her company sponsored employees for a 10K run. “I didn’t know it at the time, but the event planted a seed,” said the 39-year-old.
From city road runs to half-marathons, marathons, and eventually trails, Ashwini discovered her love for nature and adventure.
The turning point? The Everest Ultra — a tough 60km race starting at the Everest Base Camp. “It was the toughest thing I’d ever done — running over boulders at high altitudes — but also the most rewarding,” she said. Ashwini not only competed as the only woman participant that year but was also the only finisher. And that was after a 10-day solo hike to the base camp carrying her backpack.
By 2022, she had competed in the 24-hour Asia Oceania World Championship in Bengaluru, running on a 400-metre track for an entire day. “That race taught me so much about endurance and mental strength,” she said. Soon after, Ashwini expanded her horizons internationally. From a 100km trail run in Malaysia to an 80km event in Bali, her achievements earned her a spot on the Indian team for the Asia Pacific Trail Championship in South Korea in Oct 2024.
First 100-mile race
Now, she’s preparing for her most ambitious challenge yet: The 100-mile Lake Sonoma trail run. “This is my first 100-mile trail race. I’ve done 100 miles before but only on a stadium track. This will be a completely different experience,” she said excitedly.
Ashwini credits Tekion, an automotive retail tech company, for supporting her through its CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative. “Trail running rarely gets recognition, let alone corporate support. Tekion has been instrumental in helping me with training and other needs. I hope more companies step up to back niche sports like this,” she said.
Looking ahead, she is on a mission to grow trail running in India, particularly among women. “… Many people don’t even know it exists. My goal is to raise awareness and inspire more women to explore trail running,” she said.
