RUNNING THE LENGTH OF INDIA

India

South to North

1 man

60 days

4600km

CANBERRA, : Australia’s ultra-marathon running legend, Pat Farmer AM, today announced he will run the length of India, covering 4600km in 60 days. 

The Spirit of India Run will begin on 26 January 2016 – a significant date for both countries, marking Australia Day and India Republic Day.

Starting in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu at the most southern point of India, Pat will head north, running an average 80km each day, but it won’t be your usual daily run.

Pat hopes to reach Srinagar, Kashmir on 26 March 2016.

Along the way he will run through busy cities, rural towns and coastal villages, stopping to speak with school students, business leaders and community representatives at receptions most evenings.

He will pass through landmark cities such as Mumbai, Surat, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Agra with its Taj Mahal, New Delhi and Chandigarh.

Pat’s aim is to promote goodwill, friendship and trade between Australia and India, while also highlighting and raising funds for girls’ education in India.

“Young girls grow up to be the mothers of the next generation, they are the first educators to their children and I believe every girl should have access to basic literacy skills as education is the way to change their world and ours,” said Pat.

“My goals are to raise $100,000 to support the education of girls in India through The K.C. Mahindra Education Trust and to showcase this amazing country and its people.

“Our nations have so much in common and we share many traits – this run is about bringing the people of our nations closer together and helping children most in need to change their future.”

The Spirit of India Run has the support of both Australian and Indian Governments.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Julie Bishop MP, today helped Pat launch the Spirit of India Run.

“I wish Pat all the very best for the Spirit of India Run and support his efforts to highlight the strong people-to-people links between our two countries,” the Minister said.

“I know the people of India will be just as inspired by Pat’s efforts as his fellow Australians are.”

The Indian High Commission in Australia has enthusiastically assisted Pat with his planning of this ultra-marathon. The High Commissioner of India in Australia, His Excellency Navdeep Suri, today expressed his support for Pat’s latest ultra-marathon.

“Hats off to Pat for embarking on this epic project,” said the High Commissioner.

“As he traverses the length of India, Pat will witness its ancient civilization, its immense diversity, its incredible natural beauty and its vibrant culture. In two action-packed months, he will truly capture the Spirit of India!”

Pat has selected Australian film maker of Indian origin Anupam Sharma and his team of Australian film professionals to film The Spirit of India Run.  With the recent success of Anupam’s film ‘unINDIAN’ starring Brett Lee, and a growing interest in India and Indian culture, Anupam believes the Spirit of India Run has the potential to capture imaginations.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get inside the heart and mind of Pat Farmer and the human spirit which will take him through a dramatic run across India,” said Anupam.

“Through the film and the TV off shoots we will be looking at India through the eyes of an Australian, which will go a long way in showcasing more of India’s rich diversity to Australians and continue to build Indian-Australian relations.”

To follow Pat’s Spirit of India Run and donate to The K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, simply go to patfarmer.com.au.