Climbing Summits : A Journey of an Indian Girl

As a little girl I always yearned and dreamt of representing my country in International Sports events. Now that dream is no longer a dream as it has manifested into reality. It gives me immense pride to announce that I'm the first Indian to ever participate in the 50km (with an elevation of 4,189m) category of the Mantra Summits Challenge that took place on the 14th and 15th of July 2018 - Kaliandra Resort - Indonesia. 

Mantra Summits Challenge offered a tough, challenging, raw trail running course to climb up to the peak of Welirang, Arjuna, Kembar 1 and Puthuk Lesung. The elevation challenge has been the essence of this race. Mantra Summits Challenge entered its third year in 2018 was part of the Asia Trail Master Series. Runners can collect certain ATM points along with other ATM series championships in Asia. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Shanti Bhavan (a NGO that aims to provide holistic, quality education to India's most underprivileged children, mostly from the lower caste or the Dalits to allow them to succeed in the modern global workplace) family for giving me a voice and the strength to break free from the shackles of poverty. This family gave me the chance to live life the right way, something that makes the almighty so powerless. The sense of belonging radiates immensely in this family rather than in my own blood family. I’ve been taught to be compassionate and help pay it forward. I have started running this humanity race and will see no finish line. I will be the best I can be!!

To conclude ‘Dream of a world only your heart can build, act with love and courage and never ask why’ I have started dreaming and I don’t want to wake up.

Follow Lilly Thomas on her sports and adventure journey!

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