Melbourne-based sports and exercise physiologist and ultra-runner Rahul Sharma has achieved a world record after completing a gruelling 566-kilometre run across Sri Lanka in just over six and a half days, raising more than $27,000 for childhood cancer research.
The 24-year-old former Hong Kong youth cricketer became the fastest person to run the length of Sri Lanka from Point Pedro in the north to Dondra Head in the south, completing the challenge in 6 days, 13 hours and 22 minutes. The feat has been verified by the World Book of Records.
The journey, documented in the film Born To Fly, was undertaken to support the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia, with all donations and proceeds from the run, premiere events and screenings directed towards cancer research.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sharma attended Quarry Bay School and South Island School before representing Hong Kong internationally in cricket, including at under-19 level.
After moving to Australia in 2023, Sharma completed his Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University and now works as a sports and exercise physiologist in Melbourne.
Starting on Christmas Eve, Sharma covered the entire length of Sri Lanka, running from 4am until 7pm each day and surviving on only around three hours of sleep each night. The challenge was made even harder by unexpected setbacks, including last-minute changes to his support team, problems with his planned accommodation vehicle and extreme heat.
Temperatures during the run reached up to 32 degrees Celsius, creating severe physical challenges. On the second day, the rubber on his grip socks melted in the heat and became stuck to his foot, requiring his team to cut it away.
The toughest moment came near the end of the journey when exhaustion and pain pushed him to his limits.
Despite the setbacks, he completed the final stage and credited the support of his family, friends, his crew team and local communities in Sri Lanka for helping him reach the finish line.
The fundraising campaign has received global support, particularly from Hong Kong, where more than half of the donations originated. His former school community also organised relay runs covering 560km in support of his effort.
The documentary Born To Fly, directed by Ali Khajeian, captures Sharma’s journey of endurance, friendship and purpose, highlighting the message behind the campaign: “Dream Like a Kid.”
The film has premiered in Melbourne and Hong Kong, including a charity red-carpet screening attended by community leaders, athletes, educators and supporters.
With his latest achievement completed, Sharma is already looking towards a bigger endurance challenge in 2027.
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