Bengaluru-based ultra runner Ashwini Ganapathi has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian woman to complete the Asia Trail Master (ATM) Grandmaster Quest, one of the most challenging endurance trail-running challenges. The 40-year-old faced relentless humidity, river crossings, and dense rainforest trails through an entire night of running to accomplish what initially seemed impossible.
The Final Race
Her final race in the two-year challenge was the Merapoh Rainforest Trail in Pahang, Malaysia, held on May 1. Runners navigated a gruelling 164-km course with 3,700 metres of elevation gain through rainforest terrain. Ashwini completed the run in 28 hours and 33 minutes, finishing 5th overall among 146 starters and 2nd among 27 women participants, well within the 42-hour cut-off.
The Grandmaster Quest
The ATM Grandmaster Quest requires runners to complete six Asia Trail Master races of 70 km or more within two years across different countries and terrains. Ashwini began the challenge in 2024 with races across Malaysia, Japan, and Vietnam, including multiple 100-mile ultras.
A Personal Milestone
Ashwini said: “The quest was about consistency over two years, across different terrains, countries, and weather conditions. Completing it as the first Indian woman feels very special.” The Merapoh rainforest course included long gravel sections, village trails, and 3.5 km of river crossings. “Our feet stayed wet for hours, and sand kept getting into shoes, which causes blisters very quickly in ultra races. This was the toughest of all runs,” she added.
Race Details
The event began at 5:30 pm, with runners navigating forests using headlamps through the night. They had to carry emergency blankets, mobile phones, and hydration equipment. Out of 145 participants, 76 finished the race, while just 8 completed it in under 30 hours.
Training and Preparation
Ashwini trained intensively for around three months. Her weekly routine involved 75–90 km of running along with strength and conditioning sessions at Invictus Performance Lab. “The focus was on ankle stability and strength because trail terrain is unpredictable. I had to stay injury-free and move efficiently over long distances,” she said.
Background and Support
Ashwini, a resident of Basavanagudi, is a running coach and a former IT professional who transitioned into endurance sports after discovering a passion for ultrarunning. One of the major enablers in her journey was the AI-native platform tech firm Tekion: “Their support allowed me to train properly and access the right resources.”
Aravind Gowda, Tekion’s senior director (Communications), added, “Supporting Ashwini’s journey to becoming the first Indian woman to complete the ATM Grandmaster Quest aligned perfectly with our mission to empower excellence and foster resilience in the communities we serve.”
Family Support
Ashwini also credited her family. “There are many unseen moments behind achievements like this — exhaustion, setbacks, and self-doubt. My husband has been my biggest support through all of it. I hope my achievement encourages more women in India to believe that ambitious goals are possible,” she said.
