Every year on May 7, the world celebrates World Athletics Day, a day which celebrates the raw power of the human body, the relentless spirit of human spirit and the extraordinary feats that redefine what we knew was humanly possible. And when it comes to setting new milestones of physical greatness, India has never shied away from showing the world what their athletes are capable of.
At India Book of Records, we have had the incredible privilege to certify various incredible records set by athletes sprinting across India who can leave even the most seasoned observers breathless. This World Athletics Day 2026, we proudly bring to you 5 exceptional athletes whose grit, willpower and brilliant athletic achievements deserve every bit of appreciation they can get. So read ahead and let the spark of motivation fire you up!
You just need your legs and will to run!
Back when humans were hunters and gatherers, they used to run barefoot. They didn’t have fancy running shoes like we have today. Still it won’t be wrong to say that they might have run faster than us. Following this similar chain of thought, Nilesh Rajendra Wadkar of Mumbai, Maharashtra set a record of running barefoot on an athletic track for the longest duration. He ran 81.2 km barefoot in 12 hours on February 7, 2026, on an athletic track at a stadium in Dombivli, Maharashtra.
He might have imitated our ancestors for setting his record of longest barefoot run on an athletic track, but his inspiration was rooted in a modern day issue. He set this record to raise awareness for the social initiative ‘Run So They Can Walk’. This initiative was aimed at supporting footwear donation for underprivileged children.
It is true when you begin thinking beyond your own needs, achievements follow you.
Maximum distance run by a teen with additional weight in both hands
Muhammed Minhaj P. T. of Malappuram, Kerala proved that for an athlete, pain and tiredness is indeed just a state of mind. He set a tremendous record of running a maximum distance with additional weight in both hands.
He ran a distance of 3040 metres in 17 minutes and 30 seconds, while carrying a dumbbell weighing 4.61 kg in each hand. He achieved this phenomenal feat of running with an additional weight record at a young age of 18 years, 6 months and 16 days. With his undeterred resolution, Muhammed Minhaj P. T. has shown to the world that it’s all about training your mind and being an athlete that that is the first thing one must do.
Torch run expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
Distance doesn’t deter the bravest, and Ankur Kumar of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh certainly lived up to it. He set a marvellous record of covering the maximum distance in a torch run from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
He began his Kashmir to Kanyakumari running record attempt on October 31, 2025, at 7:36 a.m. from Srinagar Jammu & Kashmir and completed it at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on December 19, 2025, at 11:18 a.m., and all this while he held the torch in his hand. While undertaking this expedition, he covered a total distance of 3,771 km in a duration of 49 days, 3 hours and 42 minutes. His athletic prowess surely will be an inspiration for millions of Indians.
When track meets time!
Devarao Shreerang Chaudhari, a passionate Ultrarunner, of Yavatmal, Maharashtra, decided to exceed the limits of time and duration while running on track. He decided to continue running until he could set a record. And thus, he was able to set a truly motivating record of running on an athletic track for the longest duration.
To set this phenomenal record, he ran 136.6 km on an athletic track for 12 hours and 35 minutes in a stadium. He set an exceptional example for the youngsters who often find themselves confused when it comes to setting life goals. His love for the track paved the path for him to chase his goal of running for the longest duration in one go and set this record with India Book of Records.
Adopting the athletic way of life!
Being an athlete is not a title; it’s a way of life. This way of life is not built in a day. It takes rigorous practice, diligent continuity and the will to not give up. Raghavendra Rao R. (born on June 1, 1974) incorporated the way of life of an athlete in the best possible way for the longest duration. Hailing from Bengaluru, Karnataka, Raghavendra Rao R. set the record for running 10 km for the maximum number of consecutive days.
He made sure that he never skipped his daily run of 10 kilometers for 484 days in a stretch. He began this practice from October 6, 2023 to January 31, 2025. During this time period he successfully covered a distance of 4,878 km. He made sure his age never slowed him down even for a single day while setting this setting.
India is a country bubbling with energy and an undying spirit to achieve more. This spirit and zeal has birthed many athletes over the years. And we, at India Book of Records, recognise this enigmatic talent of Indians. We serenade the all athletes of the nation for their zeal to achieve greatness, the determination which is followed with their attitude of never giving up. We strongly believe that the hard work of Indian athletes should receive the glory they deserve. That’s why we hold a special place for such athletes in our record books.
The above mentioned stories are only a few of many such glorious stories we have documented over the years. If you know someone who is an athletic talent or you yourself have achieved a fantastic feat in the field of athletics, then you too can get your achievement(s) recognised at India Book of Records. You just have to follow these simple steps.
How to set an athletics record at India Book of Records?
At India Book of Records, we have a special place for athletics and athletes. So if you too want to set a running record, then follow the under mentioned steps:
Discover Your athletic Talent: Identify in which way your record attempt is different from the rest?
Gather Evidence: Provide video evidence, photographs, and witness testimonials to support your claim.
Make It Official: Submit the Record Application Form and take your place among the recognised athletes at India Book of Records.
So this World Athletics Day 2026, get on the track and set your own record. India Book of Records will make sure that when you cross your threshold, it gets due recognition across the country and the world. So hurry up and Apply today!
