An Indian-origin athlete, Rahul Sharma, has gone viral on social media for a remarkable feat achieved for a cause larger than materialistic priorities. He set a record by running 566 kilometers across Sri Lanka to support children with cancer. Sharma, a Melbourne-based sports and exercise physiologist and ultra-runner, completed the run across the length of the country in just over six and a half days, raising more than $27,000 for the Children's Cancer Institute, a Sydney-based research organization dedicated to curing childhood cancer.
The 24-year-old former Hong Kong youth cricketer became the fastest person to run across Sri Lanka from Point Pedro in the north to Dondra Head in the south, completing the challenge in 6 days, 13 hours, and 22 minutes. The World Book of Records has verified this feat. His journey was documented in the film 'Born To Fly' and was undertaken to support the Children's Cancer Institute Australia, with all donations and proceeds from the run, premiere events, and screenings directed toward cancer research.
Who is Rahul Sharma?
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sharma attended Quarry Bay School and South Island School. He played at the Hong Kong Cricket Club from age 10 and later represented Hong Kong internationally in cricket, including at the under-19 level from 2018-19. A string of injuries forced him to take time off from the sport. In 2023, he moved to Australia to complete his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University. He now works as a sports and exercise physiologist in Melbourne.
The Challenge
During Christmas 2025, Sharma began covering the entire length of Sri Lanka, running from 4 am to 7 pm each day and surviving on only about three hours of sleep per night. The challenge was complicated by unexpected setbacks, including last-minute changes to his support team, problems with his planned accommodation vehicle, and extreme heat. Temperatures during the run reached up to 32 degrees Celsius, creating severe physical challenges. On the second day, the rubber on his grip socks melted in the heat and became stuck to his foot, requiring his team to cut it away.
“On the second last day, I was in so much pain. I ran the first 20km, then walked 60km for the rest of the day,” he said. “It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life.” The toughest moment came near the end when exhaustion and pain combined to push him to his limits. However, he persisted and completed the final stage, crediting the support of his family, friends, crew team, and local communities in Sri Lanka for helping him reach the finish line.
Support from Across the Globe
Sharma's fundraising campaign has received global support, particularly from Hong Kong, where more than half of the donations originated. His former school community also organized relay runs covering 560km in support of his effort. The documentary 'Born To Fly,' directed by Ali Khajeian, captures Sharma's journey of endurance, friendship, and purpose, highlighting the campaign's message: “Dream Like a Kid.” The film has premiered in Melbourne and Hong Kong, including a charity red-carpet screening attended by community leaders, athletes, educators, and supporters. Sharma said he would consider a similar run in Hong Kong but would need to plan a route creatively given the city's smaller area.
