Mumbai,Setting an example for other couples, an Indian husband-wife duo from Mumbai completed ultramarathon distance of 89 kms at the Comrades Marathon, an annual marathon event which was held in South Africa recently.

Amit Sheth, 43, and Neepa Sheth, 42, competed with more than 15,000 fellow participants in one of the worlds greatest marathon event. The couple managed to complete the daunting task in 11hrs 50 mins, 53 secs. During the run, the duo had to cross five hills between the two South African cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. With the feat, Neepa Sheth has also earned herself the unique distinction of becoming the first woman runner of Indian nationality to participate and complete the marathon in the history of Comrades Marathon.

While the spirited Amit Sheth who does not have any athletic background to boast of, has already completed 9 marathons and one ultramarathon. I always dreamt of completing the Comrades Marathon one day. After completing the 56 kms, 2 Oceans ultramarathon in South Africa in 2008, I knew I had it in me to complete the Comrades Marathon run. It was difficult, but I knew it wasnt impossible. said Amit Sheth, the ambassador from India nominated by the Comrades Marathon Association.

Notes to Editor

About Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is the worlds oldest and largest ultramarathon run over a distance of approximately 90 km (55.9 mi) between the capital of theKwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa, Pietermaritzburg, and the coastal city of Durban. The direction of the race alternates each year between the up run starting from Durban and the down run starting from Pietermaritzburg. The first Comrades Marathon was held in 1921, when 34 runners participated to commemorate the spirit and camaraderie of the soldiers who fought in the World War 1. The race was created by the relentless effort of Vic Clapham, a veteran of The Great War, who wanted to honor the sacrifice of those who died in the war.