Kolkata-based entrepreneur and traveller Ram Gopal Kothari has become the first Indian to complete the Volcano Marathon on Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, in Chile, adding to his earlier achievement of becoming the first Indian to complete a full marathon at the Geographic North Pole. Kothari completed the 42.195-kilometre Volcano Marathon in 5 hours, 5 minutes and 8 seconds.
According to the official 2026 race results, he finished sixth among the men’s marathon participants. The race, organised by Runbuk, took runners through paved roads, steep climbs and rugged volcanic terrain. Kothari travelled more than 24,000 kilometres from India via Mumbai, Istanbul and Santiago to reach Rapa Nui, according to reports quoting him.
A Marathon Across Rapa Nui’s Volcanic Landscape
The Volcano Marathon presented runners with a combination of road sections, climbs, descents and uneven volcanic terrain. According to Kothari’s account, the first half of the 42.195-kilometre course involved continuous rolling climbs and descents along paved roads. The route then moved into more rugged terrain, making the second half considerably more demanding.
One of the major challenges came around the 30-kilometre mark, when runners climbed towards the Orongo volcanic crater, reaching an elevation of nearly 600 metres above sea level. Kothari described the later sections as particularly difficult because of the steep and technical terrain.
He also spoke about the landscape surrounding the course, which included the Pacific Ocean, green stretches of land, volcanic formations, horses, cattle and Rapa Nui’s famous Moai statues. The official 2026 results record Kothari’s finishing time at 5:05:08 and place him sixth in the men’s marathon.
Preparation For A Completely Different Challenge
Kothari’s preparation focused on adapting his training to the physical demands of the volcanic course. Reports quoting him said he undertook long-distance runs, strength training, incline treadmill sessions and repeated ramp training at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium. The aim was to prepare his body for sustained climbs and uneven terrain rather than relying only on conventional road-running practice.
Kothari said this preparation helped him complete the marathon without a muscle cramp or injury. The event was not simply a road race, with the course requiring participants to negotiate changing surfaces and prolonged elevation gains. Kothari’s account suggests that preparation played a significant role in helping him manage the physical demands of the route. He completed the race in just over five hours, placing him among the leading finishers in the men’s field.
From The Geographic North Pole To Easter Island
The Rapa Nui marathon is Kothari’s second notable achievement involving an extreme geographical location. On July 13, 2025, he completed the North Pole Marathon at the Geographic North Pole. The official North Pole Marathon records list his finishing time as 8 hours and 5 seconds for the full 42.195-kilometre distance. The race is held on frozen Arctic sea ice, exposing runners to conditions vastly different from those encountered on Rapa Nui.
Kothari has said that his motivation is closely linked to travel and exploration rather than simply competing for race positions. Reports say he has travelled to 80 countries across all seven continents. His journey to Rapa Nui itself involved travelling more than 24,000 kilometres from Kolkata through Mumbai, Istanbul and Santiago.
More Than A Race For A Traveller
Kothari has described Easter Island as a long-standing dream destination because of his interest in its history and Moai statues. According to reports, when he learned that Runbuk, the organisation behind the North Pole Marathon, was also conducting a marathon on Rapa Nui, he decided to combine the sporting challenge with his long-standing interest in visiting the island. He has said that the records are milestones rather than the sole purpose of his journey.
“The records are just milestones. This journey has always been about pushing my limits and inspiring others to dream beyond them,” he said, according to reports. His achievement also comes in the context of a broader travel journey that has taken him across all seven continents. The Volcano Marathon therefore represents both a sporting accomplishment and another destination in his exploration of remote parts of the world.
His reported next challenge is an attempt at a 24-hour ultra marathon in Antarctica in November, with a target of covering 120 kilometres. Since that event has not yet taken place, the plan should be treated as an intended challenge rather than a confirmed achievement.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Ram Gopal Kothari’s journey offers a reminder that endurance is not limited to physical strength. It also involves preparation, patience, adaptability and the willingness to take on unfamiliar challenges. His completion of full marathons at the Geographic North Pole and on the volcanic terrain of Rapa Nui placed him in two dramatically different environments, requiring different forms of preparation and resilience.
What makes the journey particularly relatable is the emphasis he places on exploration and encouraging others to dream beyond their circumstances rather than simply collecting records. At The Logical Indian, we believe stories of achievement are most valuable when they inspire constructive ambition without suggesting that success comes easily or without setbacks. Kothari’s journey demonstrates the value of setting ambitious goals while respecting the preparation and effort required to pursue them.
As he looks towards his proposed Antarctic challenge, what do you think his journey teaches us about perseverance, curiosity and pushing beyond our perceived limits?
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