Pune: The Dumbare Patil family from Pune has made history by becoming the first-ever family to complete the Ironman 70.3 Triathlon together. Their exceptional feat at the prestigious event in Romagna, Italy, has earned them a place in the India Book of Records.
The triathlon, held on September 22, 2024, required participants to complete a 1.9 km swim in the Adriatic Sea, a 90 km cycling course, and a 21 km run—all within eight hours. Despite facing challenging waves and strong winds, the family successfully completed the event.
The four members who participated were Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Sampat Dumbare Patil, Radiologist Dr. Vaishali Dumbare Patil, MBBS student Prachi Dumbare Patil and Prasad Dumbare Patil at B. J. Medical College, Pune. The India Book of Records officially acknowledged their achievement, and Dr. Chitra Jain presented them with a certificate of recognition.
Preparing for such a physically demanding event required intense dedication. The family trained rigorously for 8 to 10 months, balancing their medical studies and professional commitments with their fitness regime.
Prachi overcame a knee injury that had forced her to use a walker for three months. She pushed through her recovery and managed to regain her strength just 15 days before the event. Prasad successfully balanced his NEET and 12th-grade exams while training, eventually securing admission into B. J. Medical College.
Dr. Sampat Dumbare Patil said, "This was an unforgettable experience for us as a family. Completing such a competition together is a rare occurrence not just in India but globally. Our goal was to teach our children the importance of physical fitness while also bringing us closer as a family."
His daughter, Prachi, added, "The Ironman Triathlon demands extreme physical endurance. Completing it as a family was an incredible bonding experience, and competing alongside my parents made me respect them even more."
The Dumbare Patil family honored Coach Chaitanya Velhal, Strength Trainer Piyush Kumar, Swimming Coach Shubhankar Zare, and Yoga Trainers Aradhya and Avinash.
Dr. Vaishali Dumbare Patil reflected on the journey, stating, "With the right motivation and guidance, children can achieve great things. Regular fitness training not only helped our kids with their studies but also strengthened their physical and mental resilience. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we are honored that ‘India Book of Records’ has recognized our efforts.”