Anurag becomes first Indian to conquer Swiss Canyon Trail Ultra
In a stunning display of endurance and willpower, 46-year-old Anurag Sharma has become the first Indian resident to complete the formidable Swiss Canyon Trail Ultra, a 114-kilometre mountain ultramarathon renowned for its punishing elevation gain of over 5,000 metres.
Battling rain-slicked paths, steep alpine inclines, and thick mud underfoot, Anurag’s finish was more than just a race result—it was the culmination of a remarkable personal journey that has inspired a growing community of Indian endurance athletes.
The race, part of the elite World Trail Majors circuit, is one of Europe’s most challenging ultras, attracting seasoned runners from across the globe. For Sharma, this marked his second major milestone in the series. He previously made headlines in 2024 for being the first Indian to complete Spain’s Trans Gran Canaria Classic, a brutal 126-km race with nearly 7,000 meters of elevation gain.
From health scare to high peaks
Anurag’s transformation began in 2014, not on a trail but in a doctor’s clinic, where a routine visit turned into a wake-up call. Determined to regain his health, he turned to fitness, starting with cycling long distances—most notably a 1,470-km ride from Delhi to Mumbai.
Eventually, it was running that captured his heart and tested his limits. What began as a struggle to complete five kilometers evolved into a lifestyle marked by over 200 half-marathons, multiple 100-km ultra races, and a brutal 171-km event. “Running gave me a second life,” Anurag says.
Training in solitude
In preparation for the Swiss Canyon challenge, Anurag relocated to the Himalayan village of Majach, near Manali, where he spent over two months training on high-altitude, rugged terrain. The solitude of the mountains and the grueling conditions became his crucible.
“The Himachal trails became my training partner,” Sharma reflects. “They taught me patience, strength, and silence — qualities that prepared me for Switzerland’’s tough terrain.”
From IT desk to Alpine peaks
In 2022, after 24 years as an IT director, Anurag made a life-altering decision—he left his corporate career to pursue running full time. He now runs FUWA (Fuel Up With Anurag), a coaching initiative aimed at helping others achieve their fitness goals and discover the life-changing power of endurance sports. Through FUWA, Sharma mentors aspiring runners and fitness enthusiasts, combining structured training with a philosophy rooted in resilience, self-discovery, and community.
A tribute to community & spirit
Anurag credits his success to the unwavering support of his family, friends, and the tight-knit community of Majach, who turned his months of solitary training into a spiritual journey. “Their warmth and encouragement made all the difference,” he says.
As ultrarunning continues to grow in India, Anurag Sharma stands as a beacon of what’s possible when determination meets purpose. His story is a reminder that life’s greatest victories are often earned one step, one climb, and one muddy trail at a time.
Himachal Tribune