Inspiration can often come from unexpected quarters. For Preeti Maske, it came in the form of her son, who inspired her, at the age of 40, to return to the world of competitive long-distance running and cycling. Now 46, and with five Guinness World Record titles for competitive cycling and running under her belt, Preeti is one of the star women athletes scheduled to participate for the first time in the upcoming Rotary Rain Run 2024, scheduled to be held in North Goa on July 28.
The 10th edition of the Rotary Rain Run will witness Maske relish the experience of running at the peak of Goa’s monsoons in the 21km timed run category and in the process, support the Rotary Club of Porvorim’s Prakash Cancer Aid Project, which offers women free cancer detection and aid in treatment.
“As a Rotarian myself, I deeply care about the mission of the Rotary Rain Run 2024, the proceeds of which will be donated towards the Prakash Cancer Aid Project. The Rotary Rain Run, with its focus on fitness and community, aligns perfectly with my values and commitment to making a difference in society,” Maske says.
As a dedicated athlete in his own right, her son’s commitment to athletics became the catalyst for Preeti’s own remarkable journey in the world of competitive endurance running and cycling. What began as encouragement from her son’s coach for parents to run alongside their children during his training sessions for athletics, gymnastics and wrestling, soon turned into a passion for ultra long distance running and cycling for Preeti.
“Besides achieving placements on the podiums from the runs and marathons, I began participating for fun. Running helped me deal with severe anaemia, which eventually receded. I also partner with NGOs to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation through the marathons I take part in,” said Preeti.
Her first major long run was at the 160-km course from Mumbai to Pune at the third edition of the Spirit of Pinkathon Mumbai2Pune run in 2018, alongside actor Milind Soman, sparking her love for ultra-running.
Preeti’s athletic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. She set a Guinness World Record in 2021 by cycling the 6,000-kilometre Golden Quadrilateral route connecting Pune to Bengaluru-Chennai-Kolkata-Delhi, Rajasthan-Mumbai and back to Pune, in just 24 days and five hours, despite the challenges that included the pandemic, logistical hurdles, and personal injuries.
“I sustained a hairline fracture to my shoulder after a fall from my bicycle during the journey, and had another two accidents as I cycled nearly 250 to 300km a day, and was pedalling night and day. However, even with the injuries, I achieved a minimum pacing of 100 km a day, and completed the circuit,” she said.
Another notable accomplishment includes Preeti cycling from Leh to Manali in 2023, covering 430 kilometres in four days and 22 hours, where she braved harsh conditions and significant physical challenges to achieve another Guinness World Record. There is no stopping Preeti, who now has three other Guinness World Records linked to endurance sports.
Preeti will next be prepping to complete the Shaurya Run, a 450km route that runs along the highest motorable road in the world from Siachen border to Umling La, Ladakh, in 10 days, alongside 10 Indian Army veterans and six civilians.
