For Jayanarayan, a software professional from Bengaluru, endurance sports have become a transformative passion. Despite starting late in his athletic journey, he recently conquered Ultraman India 2024, covering 518 kilometers over three days in Delhi. The race tested his limits, from swimming 10 km to cycling 424 km and running 84 km. Battling scorching temperatures and minimal support, Jayanarayan’s determination led him to victory. His next challenge? Competing in Ultraman races worldwide, proving that true endurance is about internal satisfaction, not external rewards.
His path to this monumental achievement was anything but conventional. As a child, he didn’t participate much in sports, only dabbling in cricket and football occasionally. It wasn’t until his 30s that Jayanarayan felt the need to embrace fitness. Starting with running, he slowly developed a consistent habit, eventually building up to marathons and triathlons. His decision to take on Ultraman came after completing a full-distance triathlon in Konark last year, but he knew Ultraman would be an even bigger test of his endurance.
The Ultraman India triathlon, held from October 2 to 4, presented immense challenges. Although the swimming portion went smoothly, the high temperatures in Gurgaon made the cycling and running portions particularly grueling. “The heat reached 36 degrees Celsius, which made it incredibly difficult to run the entire distance,” he recalls. With just minutes to spare, Jayanarayan pushed himself to complete the race, proving his mental resilience.
Unlike Ironman events, Ultraman races offer minimal external support, forcing participants to rely on their own resources or limited aid from the organizers. Jayanarayan, competing without a crew, had to navigate the event largely on his own, a decision he doesn’t recommend for future participants. Despite the challenges, his mental and physical preparation carried him through, with weekly training sessions consisting of 100 to 150 kilometers of cycling and 40 kilometers of running—all while balancing a full-time job at Zebra Technologies.
So what drives someone to endure such physically and mentally exhausting challenges? For Jayanarayan, it’s not about the external rewards. “The last day was tough, but I reminded myself to keep going,” he says. “It’s not about the medals or certificates. It’s about pushing my limits and finding out just how far I can go.”
Looking ahead, Jayanarayan has his sights set on the Ultraman World Championship, which will require him to complete another affiliated Ultraman race. While he acknowledges that the journey ahead won’t be easy, he remains undeterred, eager to continue testing his endurance on the world stage.
Ultimately, Jayanarayan’s story is a testament to the inner drive that propels endurance athletes. Whether it’s a grueling triathlon or the daily grind of training, the satisfaction comes not from external recognition but from knowing they’ve pushed their minds and bodies to the very limit. And for Jayanarayan, that is the true essence of endurance.