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As an adventurer and former federal politician, ultra-marathon runner Pat Farmer was looking for a challenge that only India would inspire. With its 1.2 billion people, rich diversity, history, poverty, corruption, cultures, religions, natural beauty and traffic, there was plenty to test him.
Pat began with a piece of paper; a map on his kitchen table. The idea soon transformed into one of the most adventurous journeys anyone could embark on: running from the southern-most point of India, Kanyakumari, to the Summit of the Himalayan Mountains in the far north, Srinagar in Kashmir.
While the logistics were being sorted out, Pat attended the red carpet screening of ‘UnIndian’, starring Australian and international cricketer Brett Lee (now also exclusively playing Twenty20 with the Sixers) and Indian Actress Tannishtha Chatterjee.
Pat pitched the idea to UnIndian director, Anupam Sharma, a well-known Aussie filmmaker with Indian roots, who was exploring the possibility of a film on the run. He thought the idea of capturing such an undertaking on film for posterity would have wide appeal, especially for the creative team at TEMPLE; his Australian production company based out of Fox Studios.
A one-minute teaser set the tone of the film and helped confirm support from potential sponsors. It also drew enthusiasm from supportive officials connected to Indian Tourism.
Because January 26 is the Republic Day of India, and Australia Day, The High Commissioner of India to Australia, H.E. Mr Navdeep Suri, aptly suggested it be the start day of the run.
Toughest point of The Run? – ” Getting back on the road after being in hospital suffering severe dehydration. “
– Pat Farmer
This also ensured a smoother run towards the north, given India’s weather conditions. From then, the project went into overdrive. H.E. Mr Suri personally ensured that this would be an epic run; ministries and departments of 11 states across India and federal ministries of Tourism, Ministry of External Affairs (Public Diplomacy Unit) and others were mobilised and a major meeting held in December 2015.
They all offered support, help and sponsorship from the first meeting. The Indian High Commission and others worked to coordinate the necessary provisions.
Australia offered reciprocal support; Foreign Minister Julie Bishop launched The Spirit of India Run in Canberra. Australia’s Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, even made a surprise call to Pat Farmer to wish him well just before he began his heroic feat.
H.E. Mr. Suri, went beyond the call of duty, ensuring that Pat, his team and the film crew were treated like Maharajahs – including having Air India as sponsors and local police and medical services as supporters. In this never-seen-before ‘85-kilometre a day’ journey, Pat was not alone; his race team, 2 to 6 cameras, and an audience of billions from India, Australia and around the world followed him from start to finish.
There was also a caravan of local, district, state and federal officials in their vehicles at receptions, public talks, luxurious accommodation and security.
As the film will reveal, it was a quite a thing to see a group of 6-20 vehicles with police escorts, ambulances, and at times, fire brigades, travelling with Pat, protecting and supporting him on his run along the length of India.
Funniest moment of The Run? – ” The welcoming party at the cement factory which included fire-breathing dancers in horse costume. “
– Pat Farmer
Pat Farmer completed the run in just 64 days and touched the finish line ahead of schedule. Traversing 12 states and running a breathtaking distance of 4416.7km, the run magnificently sailed through the unpredictable, organised chaos of India.
Pat’s journey was a true test of human spirit – he used this spirit to raise funds for the education of disadvantaged girls in India via the Nanhi Kali Foundation.
“Best moment of The Run? – ” Entering Kashmir after passing through the long tunnel from Jammu. “
– Pat Farmer