Rotterdam, Netherlands – Army Havildar Sawan Barwal stunned the athletics world by breaking India’s 48-year-old marathon record at the Rotterdam Marathon on Sunday. Despite facing mini-blackouts and cold winds in the final kilometers, Barwal finished the 42.195 km race with a new national best time, ending a record that stood since the 1970s.
Barwal covered the marathon distance in an impressive time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 57 seconds, surpassing the previous record by several seconds. The race played out under challenging conditions, with sudden cold gusts and headwinds making the closing stages extremely tough.
“In the last 2 km, my head felt like it was frozen because of the breeze,” Barwal shared, highlighting the harsh conditions he battled through.
Key Highlights
- Record-breaking performance: Barwal broke a record that had lasted for nearly five decades.
- Race conditions: Mini-blackouts and cold winds challenged runners, especially in the final 2 kilometers.
- Significance: This achievement marks a new era for Indian long-distance running on the international stage.
Details of Barwal’s Marathon Run
- Started the race at a steady and strategic pace.
- Maintained resilience despite sudden gusts of cold wind.
- Fought through physical and mental fatigue in the last kilometers.
- Crossed the finish line with a national record time of 2:11:57.
This milestone is expected to inspire a new generation of Indian athletes aiming for greatness in endurance sports.
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Army Havildar Sawan Barwal Smashes India’s 48-Year Marathon Record in Rotterdam Despite Struggles