Sandeep Patil, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Karnataka State Reserve Police, has successfully completed the Ironman Triathlon in Copenhagen, Denmark, on August 17. Considered one of the toughest one-day endurance events in the world, the race includes a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km cycle ride, and a full marathon of 42.2 km.
First attempt at a global endurance test
This was Patil’s first attempt at the Ironman challenge, which he completed in 14 hours and 45 minutes. Recalling the moment, he said, “My wife was there at the finish line, but since it was late at night in India, I couldn’t call my kids to tell them I had completed it.”
The feat is particularly significant as the Ironman requires extraordinary preparation and resilience, testing physical and mental stamina to the extreme.
Training for the challenge
Patil began training for the event in January this year. He identified swimming as the toughest component, noting, “Recreational swimming and endurance swimming in open water are two very different things.” To prepare, he trained in the pool as well as in Gunjur Lake during monthly open-water sessions.
For cycling, his training route was the Bengaluru airport road, past the toll booth. However, his preparation was disrupted twice after he was hit by two-wheelers during practice rides. For running, he regularly trained in Cubbon Park and at Kanteerava Stadium.
Overcoming endurance hurdles
Beyond physical training, Patil also had to adapt to the nutritional demands of the Ironman. “Getting used to energy bars and gels to sustain stamina for 13–14 hours on race day was another challenge,” he shared.
The accomplishment is a personal milestone for the senior police officer and adds to his profile as a fitness enthusiast and role model in the police force.
Conclusion
Patil’s achievement at Copenhagen underscores the growing interest among Indians in global endurance sports and highlights how disciplined training, mental strength, and perseverance can help conquer even the toughest challenges.