Melbourne-based sports and exercise physiologist and ultra-runner Rahul Sharma has set a new world record after completing a remarkable 566-kilometre run across Sri Lanka, raising more than $27,000 for childhood cancer research.
The 24-year-old became the fastest person to run the length of Sri Lanka, covering the distance from Point Pedro in the north to Dondra Head in the south in 6 days, 13 hours and 22 minutes. His achievement has been officially verified by the World Book of Records.
The challenge, featured in the documentary Born To Fly, was undertaken to support the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. Funds raised through donations, film screenings and premiere events will contribute directly to childhood cancer research.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sharma attended Quarry Bay School and South Island School before representing Hong Kong in cricket at various levels, including the under-19 national team.
After relocating to Australia in 2023, he completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology at Deakin University. He now works as a sports and exercise physiologist in Melbourne.
Sharma began the run on Christmas Eve, spending up to 15 hours a day on the road, from 4am to 7pm, while surviving on just three hours of sleep each night. The journey was marked by numerous challenges, including extreme heat, logistical issues and unexpected changes to his support team.
Temperatures climbed to 32 degrees Celsius during the run, creating punishing conditions. On the second day, the intense heat caused the rubber on his grip socks to melt and stick to his feet, forcing his crew to cut it away.
The most difficult stage came towards the end of the challenge, when fatigue and physical pain tested his endurance. Despite the obstacles, Sharma pushed through to the finish line, crediting his family, friends, support crew and local Sri Lankan communities for their encouragement and assistance.
The fundraising campaign attracted international support, particularly from Hong Kong, where more than half of all donations originated. Students and alumni from his former schools also organised relay runs totalling 560 kilometres in solidarity with his mission.
Directed by Ali Khajeian, Born To Fly documents Sharma’s extraordinary journey, showcasing themes of resilience, friendship and purpose while promoting the campaign’s inspiring message: “Dream Like a Kid.”
The documentary has premiered in both Melbourne and Hong Kong, with charity red-carpet screenings drawing community leaders, athletes, educators and supporters.
Having completed this historic challenge, Sharma is already preparing for an even bigger endurance feat planned for 2027.