Indian Navy officer, Lt Commodore Devdutt Sharma, scripted history to become the first man to run 82 consecutive full marathons, the country's blue water force said on Monday.
"Indian Navy congratulates Lt Cdr Devdutt Sharma, Indian Navy, on establishing a Guinness World Record for the highest number of consecutive marathon runs (male)," the Navy's statement read.
"A keen ultra runner, yoga practitioner, triathlete & a mountaineer, he ran an incredible 82 consecutive Full Marathons, starting with the Indian Navy's maiden 1500 km running expedition (35 days – 35 Marathons) that commemorated Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to etch his name in the Guinness World Records in great style," it added.
India's Armed Forces, including the Navy, has a long history of employing athletes in their ranks, supporting them to become top-class sports stars.
For example, 88 soldiers belonging to the Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force took part in 18 disciplines at the Asian Games held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou earlier this year.
As per an Indian Ministry of Defence media release, the 88 troops who participated in the competition in China won five gold, nine silver, and ten bronze medals.