In an extraordinary feat of human endurance and historical exploration, a British woman is running 100 marathons across 100 consecutive days along the forgotten path of India's Great Hedge. Holly Chase-Higgins, a 35-year-old adventurer from the UK, is tracing the route of the historic Inland Customs Line—a massive colonial-era barrier that once stretched across the subcontinent.
The Great Hedge: Britain's Forgotten Colonial Barrier
The Great Hedge of India was no ordinary shrubbery. During British rule, this immense living barrier stretched approximately 2,620 kilometers from Punjab to Odisha, serving as a customs border to enforce salt taxes. The hedge, some sections reaching up to 12 feet high and 14 feet thick, was part of a sophisticated surveillance system that included customs posts and guard stations every few miles.
"Most people have never heard of the Great Hedge, yet it was one of the most significant structures built during British rule in India," explains Chase-Higgins. "My run is about bringing this forgotten history back to public consciousness while celebrating modern India's incredible diversity."
Marathon Mission: 100 Days of Endurance
Chase-Higgins began her remarkable journey in January, covering approximately 42 kilometers daily while documenting her experiences. Her route follows the hedge's path through multiple states, from the western regions toward eastern India.
The physical challenge is immense: running a marathon every day for over three months requires extraordinary physical conditioning and mental fortitude. "Some days are tougher than others," she admits. "The heat, unfamiliar terrain, and cumulative fatigue present constant challenges. But the warmth of the people I meet and the fascinating history keep me going."
Connecting Past and Present
As she runs, Chase-Higgins engages with local communities, sharing stories about the hedge's history and learning about contemporary Indian life. Her journey has taken her through bustling cities, quiet villages, and diverse landscapes that once marked the boundary of Britain's salt tax collection system.
"The hedge was dismantled after the salt tax was abolished in 1879, and nature has largely reclaimed it," she notes. "But in some areas, you can still find remnants or local legends about the structure."
Historical Significance Meets Modern Adventure
The Great Hedge represents a fascinating chapter in India's colonial history. Author Roy Moxham, who rediscovered the hedge's story in the early 2000s, described it as "one of the most incredible constructions of the Victorian era." The barrier was designed to prevent salt smuggling and enforce the controversial salt tax that would later become a focal point of Gandhi's independence movement.
Chase-Higgins's project combines historical research with extreme athleticism, creating a unique narrative about India's past and present. Her journey has attracted attention from historians, running enthusiasts, and local media as she progresses along her ambitious route.
Beyond Physical Endurance
This undertaking goes beyond mere physical achievement. Each marathon serves as a moving meditation on history, colonialism, and cultural exchange. The runner documents her progress through social media, sharing insights about the regions she passes through and the historical significance of her route.
"Every kilometer reveals something new—about India's history, about human resilience, and about the power of storytelling," she reflects midway through her journey.
As Holly Chase-Higgins continues her 100-day marathon quest, she's not just running across India—she's running through time, reviving memories of a forgotten barrier that once divided a nation and now connects us to a complex colonial past.
