To spread awareness about addiction and ways to combat it, Rahul Jadhav a reformed addict from Mumbai today completed an ultra-run from Gateway of India to India Gate covering a distance of 1475 kms. The DeAddiction Ultra Run 2019 in its 1st edition was initiated on February 1, 2019 from Gateway of India, Mumbai. After concluding his run today at India Gate, New Delhi, Rahul was felicitated with a medal and a memento by Arun Bharadwaj, an ultramarathon runner and one of the first internationally acclaimed endurance racers from India.
During his run of 20 days, Rahul covered a distance of 80 kms on an average per day, and many people on the way ran with him a few kilometres to show support for the cause. On Day 18 of his run from Manoharpur to Neemrana he was able to achieve a feat of 100kms in 15hours and 50 minutes. The run organised and supported by Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre, Pune and Morde Foods Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai is an initiative to spread awareness about addiction and sharing the inspirational story of Rahul Jadhav which underlines that with dedication and determination and imbibing positive health habits can help you overcome dependence on substance.
Until now Rahul has participated and completed 22 run events and 3 solo runs. He completed his last run at the Tata Marathon Mumbai in 4 hours and 5 minutes covering a distance of 42 kms.
On completing this feat, Rahul shares, “Post my recovery from addiction, I took to running and enjoyed it thoroughly. Running gives, me a sense of satisfaction and achievement and I wish to reach out to more people and share my experience to help them take that step towards reformation. I am fortunate to have mentors and supporters like Ashish and Mukta Puntambekar, Harshal Morde and my coach Manoj Rane who have encouraged me in this journey. I would also like to thank my friends and family and my runners’ group from Mumbai and other cities who have cheered and encouraged me on social platform during my run and for the cause.”
Speaking about the cause, Mrs. Mukta Puntambekar, Deputy Director at Muktangan Mitra said, “We are very proud of Rahul’s achievement. Through the DeAddiction Ultra Run 2019 we want to share the inspirational story of Rahul and spread awareness about addiction. The De-addiction Ultra Run 2019 is a run to inspire and motivate many such youth of India who have been the victims of various kind of substance or behaviour abuse. We believe that running or any form of healthy physical activity can help the person to divert his mind into something positive and help recovery.”
Supporting Rahul’s run, Harshal Morde, Director, Morde Foods Pvt. Ltd. shares, “Determination, Dedication and Desire together always help one achieve goals in life. Rahul has set an example of this by successfully recovering from his addiction and showing his passion for run setting newer records. We support Rahul and the DeAddiction Ultra Run in whichever capacity it is possible for us, to spread this noble message of ‘Say No To Addiction’.”
Not just an ordinary solo runner, prior to running marathons and solo runs, Rahul was a heavy alcohol addict. The only thing that made him transform his dependence on substance to his passion for running was his willingness and dedication to be a changed person and to be known respectfully among his social circles.
Rahul’s story is an inspiration to many alike and also everyone who wants to break the barriers and start afresh. He was able to channelize and direct his addiction in a positive manner by taking up a simple routine of running, which gradually turned into his passion and gave him the opportunity to be part of marathon’s and solo run. Through the DeAddiction Ultra Run 2019, Rahul wants to convey his story of reformation and spread the message of ‘Say No To Addiction’ and #GetDeAddicted.
Traveling with him is the team from Muktangan Rehabilitation centre, Pune which reaches out to various deaddiction centres and other local places to conduct awareness sessions about addiction and how to address the problem. The awareness program has received a very positive response with more and more people enquiring about deaddiction centre and process to recovery.