From 21 to 100 days, these runners push limits with discipline, grit and passion
Hyderabad: Running 21 kilometres once is no small feat, but doing it daily for 21 consecutive days is the 21/21 challenge—an ultimate test of physical grit, mental discipline and willpower. In Hyderabad, a select few runners have not only taken it up, but one of them, pushing the boundaries even further, ran 21 km not for 21 days but for 100 days straight.
Sravan Dwibhashyam, 39, the 21/21 challenge was personal. “I wanted to break the myth that daily running leads to injuries. If done right—with proper rest, recovery and food—it strengthens you,” he said. “I didn’t follow a special diet. Just home food, sweet potatoes and dry fruits. I listened to my body, ran at different times, and learnt something new every day. This was for myself to test and motivate me,” said Sravan.
He added, “There were tough days—work stress, mental blocks—but once people knew I was doing this, I couldn’t skip. I called friends for support. Completing it reaffirmed that discipline always pays.”
At 50, running coach and physio fitness consultant Jagan Mohan Reddy ran 21 km every morning at 6 am, clocking under two hours each time, and finishing in 1 hour 30 minutes on the final day. “There was no race-day thrill—just me and the road. Some days I felt heavy, but I didn’t give up. I don’t recommend this to beginners. It’s not for social media, it’s for your own satisfaction. Do it only if you’re ready and if it inspires someone to start running, that’s the real win,” he explained.
Hyderabad’s oldest known distance runner, 74-year-old Nagabhushana Rao, said the challenge wasn’t too hard for him. “I already run 10K most days, sometimes 15K. During the challenge, I made sure to rest after each run. It took me three hours daily.”
For 34-year-old Suman Ojha, the 21/21 challenge was part of his training for a 100-mile race. “It was about testing endurance, discipline and mindset. It pushed me to realise what I am capable of. I ended up stronger, faster and more confident. These challenges prove that your limits are often self-imposed,” she explained.
Murali Karanam, 56, has completed the 21/21 challenge nine times since 2016. “I took it up to get back in shape. The start was tough, but I reminded myself that 21 means discipline. I focused on sleep and nutrition—dinner before 7 pm, heavy breakfast after the run. These runs built my confidence.” He cautioned that only experienced runners should attempt it. “You should have at least three to four years of running behind you or have completed a full marathon. Otherwise, it can lead to injuries.”
Software engineer Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, 40, went a step further, running 21 km daily for 100 days. “I began in April 2024, aiming for 30 days but stretched it to 100. The first 40 days were the hardest—I nearly quit twice. But once I crossed that, I never looked back. Even during work trips, I ran in the mornings or evenings, no matter what. Balancing a full-time job and this taught me one thing—discipline is everything.”
The 21/21 challenge is not just about distance. It's about showing up, staying consistent and pushing through doubt. These runners have proved that with commitment and discipline, personal limits can be redefined.
