Kolkata Runner becomes first Indian to complete easter island Volcano Marathon

A Kolkata-based endurance runner has become the first Indian to complete the Volcano Marathon on Easter Island, less than a year after finishing a full marathon at the Geographic North Pole, marking a rare double in extreme-distance racing.Ram Gopal Kothari completed the 42.195-km race in 5 hours, 5 minutes and 8 seconds, finishing seventh overall in an international field. A total of 21 runners registered for the race, with 20 starting and completing the course.With this, he becomes the first Indian to complete both races, each known for their vastly different challenges. The race, held on Chile’s remote Rapa Nui island in the Pacific Ocean, featured a mix of paved roads and rugged volcanic trails.

“The opening stretch was continuous climbs and descents, but after halfway it turned into a completely different race,” Kothari said. “Some sections were so steep and technical that even walking became difficult.

”Runners navigated rolling terrain, open grazing zones and steep ascents towards the Orongo volcanic crater at nearly 600 metres above sea level. “The terrain caught many runners off guard,” he said.

“Several slipped because they were wearing road shoes.”The event also lacked basic facilities along the route. “There were no restroom facilities anywhere between the start and finish,” he noted, describing the race as “one of the toughest endurance challenges” he has faced.

Despite the conditions, Kothari completed the race without injury. His preparation included long-distance running, strength training and simulated elevation work.

“Almost all my training was done in Kolkata’s extreme summer heat and humidity,” he said. “During one session I even suffered severe dizziness and was bedridden for four days before resuming training.”Weather during the race remained mild, with temperatures between 17°C and 21°C, but the terrain added to the physical demands.Kothari described the route as visually striking. “It felt less like running a marathon and more like running through one of the world’s greatest open-air museums,” he said.

“Every kilometre revealed a new breathtaking view.”To reach Easter Island, he travelled nearly 24,000 km from Kolkata via multiple international stops, a journey that also marked his visit to his 80th country. “This achievement is about much more than running,” he said. “It is the story of a boy who grew up in a small asbestos-roof room in Kolkata and went on to travel across all seven continents.”In 2025, Kothari became the first Indian to complete a full marathon at the Geographic North Pole, running on drifting Arctic sea ice in sub-zero conditions.“Your beginnings never define your destination,” he said. “Discipline, perseverance and the courage to dream big can take you from the smallest room to the most extraordinary places on Earth.”