Gaurav Karjee’s transformation from a sedentary lifestyle to becoming an accomplished runner and mentor is a story of grit, determination, and passion. Based in Chandigarh and working as an Associate Director with Nuvama Wealth Ltd, Gaurav’s fitness journey began on January 1, 2017, a day that marked a turning point in his life.

At the time, Gaurav weighed 84 kg and had been leading an inactive life for years. The realization of his declining health hit him hard, leaving him embarrassed and disheartened. On that fateful New Year’s Day, while sitting alone and reflecting, his inner conscience pushed him to take control of his health. He stepped out to his colony park for a one-hour walk, a small yet significant step that sparked his passion for fitness.

The initial days were tough, with his body enduring unbearable pain as it transitioned from inactivity to movement. Yet, Gaurav was determined to continue, believing in the mantra: “Lohe ko loha hi kaatega” (iron cuts iron).

In April 2017, he took on his first challenge: a 5K run, despite never having run even 1 km before. Completing it in 29 minutes gave him a euphoric sense of achievement, despite the soreness that followed. Encouraged by this success, Gaurav quickly moved to a 10K race, finishing in 60 minutes. Although this run taught him the importance of hydration strategies, it also solidified his love for running.

His journey gained momentum with his first official Half Marathon (HM) at the Ludhiana HM, completing it in under 2 hours. In 2017, he participated in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon (ADHM) and achieved a remarkable time of 1 hour and 50 minutes—just 20 days after recovering from a severe bout of dengue that had landed him in the hospital. This race became a testament to Gaurav’s resilience and mental strength.

In April 2018, he ran his first Full Marathon (FM) at the Daily World Marathon, finishing in under 4 hours. His most defining moment came during the Hundred Days of Running (HDOR) 2018 challenge. Starting without a specific target, Gaurav’s commitment and determination propelled him to complete an astonishing 3,652 km in 100 days, earning him the No. 2 position on the leaderboard. This achievement unlocked his potential for ultra-running, a feat he never imagined possible.

Today, Gaurav has evolved from a fitness enthusiast to a mentor and inspiration for others. He encourages runners to believe in themselves, push their limits, and embrace the journey of self-improvement. His story is a reminder that every small step counts and that transformation is possible with determination and consistency.

Gaurav Karjee’s remarkable journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and inspires countless individuals to embark on their own path to health and fitness.