Mission Ultraman Australia 2024: Vishesh Madan’s Epic Journey from Delhi to Noosa
Everything starts from zero. Every time I begin training for a new endurance event, I reset myself to 0 – a reminder that I have nothing to lose, only everything to gain.
My love for endurance sports began 10 years ago during college as a simple way to manage my weight. What started as fun 5K runs grew into marathons, triathlons, and now, one of the toughest endurance events in the world: Ultraman Australia 2024.
This wasn’t just a race for me. It was a milestone, a soul-searching adventure that tested my limits, redefined my perspective, and taught me more about resilience than anything else in life.
The Road to Ultraman
The journey began with a flight from Delhi to Brisbane via Singapore. From Brisbane International Airport, a 2.5-hour shuttle took me to the coastal town of Noosa, Queensland – the host city of Ultraman Australia.
Leaving behind Delhi’s humid heat, Noosa’s fresh air and relaxed energy felt like the perfect welcome. I checked into Coco Bay Resort, an ideal spot surrounded by lush greenery. It became my pre-race base – a place to rest, recover, and focus.
Walking along the Noosa Riverfront, exploring local cafés, and unpacking my bike were not just routines – they became rituals that calmed my nerves and helped me transition fully into race mode.
Noosa’s terrain was my first real challenge. A short ride quickly introduced me to unexpected climbs, including an 80-meter elevation just 10 km into my ride. It shook my confidence but also reminded me: Ultraman is more mental than physical.
Nutrition and recovery became key priorities. Grocery shopping with my crew member Karen ensured I had the right fuel for race days. Light runs and bike checks filled the rest of the days as we waited for the start.
Soon, my full crew assembled:
Pankaj – fresh from his Ironman finish, a supportive friend.
Fatima – our crew captain, flying in from Melbourne.
Ashley – an Ironman 70.3 finisher who drove all the way to support us.
Karen – my local guide and pacer.
Together, they formed my Dream Team.
Day 1: 10 km Swim + 145 km Bike
The Ultraman began with a 10 km open-water swim, my toughest segment. Guided by Tara, my 13-year-old paddler, I fought tides and even covered an accidental extra 700 meters. I finished in 5 hours 16 minutes, safely under the 6-hour cut-off.
The 145 km bike ride that followed tested my endurance with rolling hills, but I paced myself wisely, finishing the day in 10 hours 55 minutes.
Day 2: 275 km Bike – The Make-or-Break
Day 2 is infamous: 275 km of cycling.
The first 50 km no-crew zone required self-sufficiency. Once I reunited with my team, they handed me nutrition – sandwiches, potatoes, Coke, even donuts.
I faced a penalty for missing a stop sign and my bike computer died mid-ride, but my crew’s energy kept me pushing forward. After 10 hours 38 minutes, I crossed the line relieved: just one day and a double marathon stood between me and the Ultraman finish.
Day 3: 84 km Run – The Final Push
The last stage was a double marathon (84 km). I started slow, fueling with Gatorade, sandwiches, fruits, and salt. Karen and Ashley alternated pacing duties, lifting my spirits with stories, songs, and encouragement.
At 60 km, the hills hit hard. Many athletes chose to walk, but I pressed on, determined not to lose momentum.
The final stretch along the beach was emotional. Carrying the Indian flag, I crossed the finish line overwhelmed with gratitude. From doubts at registration to triumph at the finish, Mission Ultraman was accomplished.
Reflections After Ultraman
Crossing the Ultraman finish line is more than an achievement – it’s a transformation.
I left behind corporate jobs, moved cities for training, invested nearly all my savings – not in cars or luxuries, but in this dream. And it was worth it.
Ultraman reminded me:
Dreams demand sacrifice.
Success is never solo – it’s built with family, friends, and a committed crew.
Gratitude is the greatest reward.
I dedicate this race to my late mother, whose discipline continues to inspire me every day.
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