The boxer who turned long-distance runner

LEH: Ray Sanchez could pass off as just another traveler roaming the streets of Leh, gazing at the wondrous beauty this Himalayan town of Ladakh has to offer. But he is on a mission – to run a grueling 222-kilometre Ultra Marathon. You heard that right – run.
Sanchez is an ultra runner, just like the six other participants who have come from all over the world to participate in this unique event, and perhaps the only of its kind in this country, called La Ultra – The High, scheduled to be held on August 11, 12 and 13.
Sanchez wasn't a part of the inaugural edition held last year. Only three runners took part, and one finished. It would seem difficult, however, for entirely different reasons than it actually is. The distance isn't the worry. It's the mind-numbing altitude.
In his short career of ultra running, Sanchez has already added many miles against his name. He's run 130 such races held all over the world – 26 miles or more – in the four-and-half years' worth of running. Last year he became the first person to complete the Badwater World Cup – a combination of three of the toughest races – in a year. Ask how he does it and he'll put a treadmill hopping jogger in the suburbs to shame. "I do it for the fun."
Despite being an athlete, Sanchez only discovered ultra running after hanging up his boxing gloves. I glance through his website to confirm, and discover something that he pleasantly chose to ignore. He's been a professional boxer all right, but he's also been an Olympic contender. The big difference in his two careers, however, seems to be the difference in his outlook towards ultra running.
"Everybody wants to win, yes. But it's far more important to us as runners to finish these races," Sanchez says. "To have run all the Badwater races was a challenge. I ran these 135-mile races in Brazil, Arrowhead in Minnesota and Europe in entirely different conditions. I love the heat, but I couldn't do well in Badwater (Death Valley). But I did well in Arrowhead where temperatures were in the negative."
We have now veered off into a discussion about where the passion comes from. Of course, enjoying the run is a fundamental part of the level of endurance which is alien in these parts of the world. But he derives a different joy from it through the charity he supports. "Be Change is a charity for inter-city kids which helps them to get into the running programme. It may not necessarily push them into running, but they end up pursuing the sport of their choice as well," he says. "So when I am not finishing for myself, I am pushed by these kids to finish the races."
Thanks to Dr. Rajat Chauhan, La Ultra is another addition to the world of ultra running, a competition even the ultra running community would be proud of. Sanchez wanted to be a part of the run last year, but the dates clashed with one of his Badwater runs. In fact, it was fellow participant Molly – who also raced last year – who managed to bring Sanchez on board.
Sanchez is clear with his plans ahead. "I want to finish all the races in a year." I probe about the altitude at La Ultra – where the runners are required to cross the highest motorable road in the world – Khardung La, as well as the second highest – Tanglang La, and Sanchez switches to his boxer frame of mind. "The altitude hasn't affected me yet. And I'm not worrying about it too much." He knows who is opponent is, and it's none of the runners.