Meet Dr Umesh Bhammarkar, the ultra marathoner who loves the ‘extreme’ life

(March 26, 2024) When Dr Umesh Bhammarkar arrived at the picturesque Pangong Tso in Ladakh and began gazing at the frozen lake in February this year, the piercing cold winds gave him the first taste of the hostile weather. As temperatures dropped to minus 30 degrees Celsius amid the heavy snowfall, he was both excited and nervous about his mission — the 21 km frozen lake half marathon. Determined to conquer the terrain, the doctor took the challenges head-on and accomplished the mission. “When passion drives us, we can achieve remarkable feats and surpass our own expectations. This run was psychologically and physically demanding,” smiles Dr Umesh, a Vitreoretinal surgeon, Ophthalmologist and extreme sports enthusiast, as he connects with Global Indian.

Having run 68 half marathons and four full marathons in various part of India and abroad, including the Prague night run in 2022, the 44-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Dr Umesh at the Pangong Tso frozen lake half marathon

The most challenging marathon of all

“The sub-zero temperature at Pangong Tso made me totally numb. Breathing was difficult and the high altitude even caused delirium. Nothing could get more exciting and challenging than this,” says Dr Umesh, who was among the 120 participants at the one-of-its-kind event, which was named the ‘Last Run’ to remind people about climate change and the need to save the Himalayas. Amid chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” the participants made their way into the Guinness World Record for the world’s highest frozen lake half marathon.

Among all the half and full marathons that Dr Umesh has taken part in, the Pangong frozen lake marathon was by far the toughest and tested his endurance like never before. “Preparations for the frozen lake marathon started more than a year ago. It required tremendous determination and effort that is both physical and psychological,” says the Hyderabad-based doctor.

He started with 60 to 90 minute daily gym sessions to focus on core strength for the first two months and followed it up by running (hill, pace, trail, fastrep) for long distances. “I would run between 22 km to 40 km to build the endurance. It’s one of the key elements for participating in extreme sports,” points out Dr Umesh, who was wearing five layers of clothing to keep himself warm at Pangong – at 4,350 meters above the sea level, it is the world’s highest salt water lake.

The extreme sports enthusiast also included cross training with cycling and swimming sessions of 120-240 minutes per week. “My day would start at 5 am to meet the training requirements,” says Dr Umesh. He also followed a balanced diet comprising of 3-4 boiled eggs per day, meat, salads, fruits, lots raw and cooked veggies, sprouts and plenty of fluids for the Pangong lake half marathon.

The globe-trotting marathoner

Exploring new routes, soaking in the sights and sounds of unfamiliar surroundings, and Dr Umesh loves connecting with fellow runners from around the world. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the scenic trails of Switzerland, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Turkey and Austria, Dr Umesh has run and cycled across the world, mostly solo, in the last few years.

He has fond memories of the 10-km Prague night run, 2022. “Running through the streets of Prague under the night sky, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts was a unique and exhilarating experience,” recalls Dr Umesh. He also did a solo cycle tour in Vienna. “With its beautiful architecture, rich history, and well-maintained cycling paths, Vienna provides an ideal setting for exploring by bike. Cycling solo allows for a unique sense of freedom and independence,” feels the extreme sports enthusiast.

He believes that participating in such events not only provides an opportunity for personal achievement but also allows one to immerse themselves in the energy and camaraderie of the running community.

Dr Umesh Bhammarkar | marathon | Global Indian

Nagpur boy

Born and raised in the “orange city” of Nagpur, Maharashtra in January 1980, Dr Umesh’s father was a railway employee and his mother, a homemaker. He studied up to class four at St. Michael’s school in Mohan Nagar finished 10th grade at St. Anthony’s High School in Ajni, Nagpur, and 12^th grade at Dinanath Junior College. “A passion for running and playing games has been a consistent part of my life since childhood,” informs Dr Umesh.

Dr Umesh always wanted to be a doctor, and serve people through healthcare, and enrolled Government Medical College (GMC) in Nagpur. Interestingly, he also has an MBA from IIM Kozhikode, LLB degree, a PH Diploma in Human Rights and a Diploma in Sports Nutrition and Fitness, alongside his medical career, for continuous learning and personal development. “I believe that integrating business knowledge with medical expertise can open up new opportunities and perspectives in healthcare management and leadership,” he explains.

Running journey

Dr Umesh, who was used to going for walks, started his running journey in Hyderabad with a 5K race in 2014. Gradually, he progressed from 5K to 10K and went up to 21k, 25 and 42 k. “Running is not only a great form of exercise but also an excellent way to challenge yourself and set and achieve personal goals,” believes the sports enthusiast, who completed the 44k run on his 44th birthday.

Among the various events he participated nationally was the “Tour of Karnataka 9” (TOk9) 2023 an exciting cycling event that spans four days and 520km, the Procam Slam, consisting of four major marathons in India (Tata Mumbai Marathon, TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, and Tata Steel Kolkata 25K).

“Completing the Procam Slam was a remarkable accomplishment for me that gave next level confidence to go for something more challenging,” says Dr Umesh, who also participated in the Triathlon event, Ironman 70.3 Goa 2023.

Duty calls 

As a doctor, practising at UB Diabetic Retina Care Center & Lions Dundoo Eye Hospital Hyderabad, Dr Umesh has a busy schedule.

His day typically starts at 4:30 am with his workout session while professional work starts at 9.30 am. His work revolves around OPD visits, surgical procedures and clinical discussions among other things. “Balancing patient care with surgical procedures requires focus, expertise, and compassion,” says Dr Umesh, who has a special interest in Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal detachments, Macular Degeneration, and other sight-threatening conditions. He is also associated with Sai Jyoti eye hospital and Clear Vision Eye Hospital and is a Visiting Retina Consultant In Durgapur, West Bengal.

Wrapping up all his medical responsibilities by 6:00 pm, Dr Umesh goes to sleep early, by 8.30 pm. Being a doctor, conditioning the mind comes automatically for him. “In built focus is vital. I never lose my cool. Preparing well in advance gives me the confidence and mental stability I need for my adventures,” says Dr Umesh, who is also fond of sky diving and horse riding and has joined the Telangana Horse riding academy.

Varied interests

Outside of sports and adventure, Dr Umesh has a wide range of interests and passions. “I enjoy reading, travelling ,exploring new cuisines, engaging in creative pursuits like photography, and staying updated on developments in technology and science,” he says.

When he isn’t in a marathon Dr Umesh also loves horse riding and skydiving

Additionally, he has a keen interest in psychology and human behavior, which often leads him to delve into topics related to personal development and mental well-being. “Whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, or a mix of both, books can transport you to new worlds, broaden your horizons, and stimulate your mind.”

He believes each learning experience brings with it a sense of excitement and discovery. “I enjoy cooking sometimes, it is not only a creative outlet but also a practical skill that allows you to nourish yourself and others with delicious homemade meals,” smiles the father of two, who has also created a travel diary to document his adventures.

Future adventures 

Dr Umesh is already prepping up for his future adventures which includes the Ooty Ultra 60K scheduled for March 31, 2024, the NMDC Marathon scheduled for August 26, 2024, in Hyderabad, the JBG Satara Hill half marathon and Ironman Goa in October. “Whether it’s participating in endurance races, mountaineering expeditions, or wilderness treks, I aim to continue embracing the thrill of adventure while prioritising safety and responsible outdoor practices,” he says.

• Follow Dr Umesh Bhammarkar on LinkedIn