To explain what KN Naresh Kumar has achieved is quite difficult. That’s because, not many know about the Last Annual Vol State 500km road race. For starters, it’s a 500 km walk/run race across Tennessee in the United States. The event is held over a period of 10 days every year in July when the mercury shoots past the 118 degree F mark. And if that doesn’t seem tough enough, consider carrying all your stuff on your back through the race! Not to mention that if it’s the unaided category, one might have to sleep by the side of the road at night. But KN Naresh, the first Indian to participate in the race, (sporting the tri-colour flag on his T-shirt as one might notice) has won in the unaided category by reaching the finish line in just seven days. More precisely, 7 days, 00:55:04. An employee of Cognizant Technology Solutions at Nashville for the past two years, this Kodungaiyur-born athelete, has participated in many marathon and ultramarathon races. According to him, Vol State has been on for 30 years, and is popular among Ultramarathon runners. He adds that it is everyone’s dream to be a part of it. However, ironically, the number of participants never crosses 20 every year, as many runners fear they won’t finish it. But ask Naresh what made him participate in this gruelling test of will, and he says, “I always wanted to put myself through such a situation, go beyond the limits and test my ability”. While every minute was an experience for him, he does cherish a few important moments in the race. Naresh remembers his meeting with a policeman, who was not aware of the race and was surprised to see an Indian participant. He opened his Facebook account in front of Naresh and ‘liked’ Vol State Race page and sent Naresh a friend request, too. He says his friends think he is crazy to participate in the Vol State. Considering the severity of the race, he even ‘unfriend’ his parents and other close relatives from his social networking account so that they wouln’t get to know of his problems along the way. Although, at the end of the competition, he admits, “There is no prize money or cup. What you get is the right to brag for the rest of your life!”However, this runner has made his interest useful beyond himself. Along with fellow runner, Joshua Holmes, he raises money for an organisation called Charity Water, that strives to provide pure drinking water to third world countries. Together, the duo has raised more than `3 lakh and, he says this cause is open for anyone who wants to contribute. venkadesan@newindian express.com
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