New Delhi: Ultra marathon runner Arun Bhardwaj, who will be taking part in the first ever multi city ultra marathon, ‘The Great India Run’, said running on the highways would be challenging with smoke and noise around.

“I have participated in ultra marathons earlier but in this race, road will itself be a challenge as smoke and noise on highway roads will make the race difficult for the runners,” national record holder Bhardwaj told PTI.

The Great India Run is conceptualised by Prosportify, which is partnering with Mobiefit to promote running as a sport in the country and to spread the message of fitness.

The event will be flagged off from India Gate here on July 17 and conclude in Mumbai’s Gateway of India on August 6, having covering a total distance of 1480kms.

Fifteen best ultra marathoners, including Bhardwaj, from India and the world would participate during the six-state run that will include Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Mahrashtra and Delhi.

“If an office going guy can run for ultramarathons then why can’t others do the same. I am working as an inspiration for others to join racing and challenge their ultras,” said 46-year-old runner.

Bhardwaj termed The Great India Run as a “never seen before journey”, for which he has been practicing since February by running 40kms a day.

“When I went for Ultra Marathons, people told me not to do it as it is a sport for Americans and other western people. An Indian would never able to do it. But I set an example for others by winning the ultra marathons. It proved that even people from our country can participate in such marathons and win it,” Bhardwaj, who finished the 250 km ‘non-stop’ 40-hour run last April from New Delhi to Chandigarh, said.

Bhardwaj feels that such efforts can make the Indians believe that they could also organise their own ultra marathons like California’s Badwater.