Pooja Krishnamoorthy Aims to Create History as Sole Indian at Gruelling Brazil 135 Ultra Run

The Brazil 135 is widely regarded as one of the toughest ultra-distance races in the world. Spanning 217 kilometres across punishing terrain, steep elevation gains nearing 20,000 feet, humid jungles and cold mountain highlands, the race demands extraordinary physical and mental resilience. In 2026, Indian ultrarunner Pooja Krishnamoorthy will stand at the starting line as the only representative from India, determined not just to finish but to run with a purpose far larger than the race itself.

Scheduled from January 8 to 10, the Brazil 135 must be completed within a strict 60-hour time limit. For Pooja, this challenge represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to inspire more women to step into endurance sports—an arena where Indian representation remains limited.

From Mountains to Miles

Pooja’s journey into endurance sport did not begin with running shoes but with the mountains. A certified mountaineer at the age of 11, she grew up immersed in outdoor exploration, a foundation shaped by a family that valued experiential learning over conventional routines. Regular Himalayan treks instilled in her a deep respect for nature, patience and pacing—skills that would later define her approach to ultra-running.

Running entered her life almost incidentally in 2011, when she participated in a short-distance race during a weekend getaway. At the time, she was building a career in advertising and saw running as a way to reconnect with the outdoors and manage work pressures. Over the years, distances increased naturally, without any grand plan or obsession with performance milestones.

Ultrarunning emerged as a calling much later, during a visit to the Badwater 135 in 2023. While crewing for her coach, Pooja unexpectedly paced nearly 80 kilometres through the harsh conditions of Death Valley. The experience transformed her relationship with running, shifting it from recreation to purpose-driven endurance.

Learning Through Setbacks

Like most ultra-athletes, Pooja’s journey includes setbacks. A Did Not Finish (DNF) early in her ultra career became a pivotal learning moment rather than a discouragement. The experience deepened her understanding of preparation, patience and respect for distance, reinforcing her mental resilience and long-term commitment to the sport.

Running Beyond the Finish Line

For Pooja, the Brazil 135 is not just about personal achievement. Her run is tied closely to advocacy for women’s empowerment. She believes endurance sports offer a powerful metaphor for life—where consistency, patience and quiet strength matter more than speed.

Her association with Purnkuti, a Pune-based organisation working on women empowerment and skill development, gives tangible meaning to her miles. Through initiatives like Project Manoksha and Project Dhara, the organisation supports underprivileged women, children and marginalised communities by providing education, health services and livelihood opportunities.

Pooja hopes her participation at Brazil 135 will raise awareness, support fundraising efforts and open conversations around dignity, resilience and opportunity.

Flying the Tricolour Alone

Being the only Indian—male or female—at Brazil 135 carries emotional weight. While pride in representing India will be present, Pooja views her participation as part of something larger than national identity. She hopes her presence quietly signals to others, especially women, that seemingly distant goals are achievable with courage and persistence.

With a strong support system comprising her coach, crew, nutrition partners and running community, Pooja is approaching the race focused on process rather than pressure. As she prepares to take on one of the world’s toughest ultra-runs, her journey stands as a reminder that endurance is not just about distance—but about purpose, belief and the willingness to begin.