New Delhi: Indian athlete and adventurer Mann Sharma made history on Monday by officially launching Mann vs Burpees, the world’s first-ever Burpee Marathon, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
In this World Book of Records attempt, Mann will cover the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres entirely through burpee broad jumps over the next ten days. The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
Organised by Question Associates in collaboration with Fit India and officially recognised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the marathon aims to redefine human endurance and resilience.
Beyond the physical challenge, Mann vs Burpees seeks to raise funds and awareness for The One Friend NGO, which supports education and empowerment for underprivileged children across India.
The challenge is monumental: the current world record for burpee broad jumps is just 5.1 kilometres. Mann’s attempt will push this nearly eightfold, requiring 106 laps of a 400-meter track, while he remains on-site at the stadium throughout the event. The World Book of Records has described it as one of the most ambitious endurance feats ever attempted.
“Today marks the beginning of something extraordinary,” said Mandaviya. “Mann Sharma is not just attempting a world record—he is redefining determination and purpose. His challenge embodies the spirit of our nation’s youth: resilient, fearless, and compassionate. Through Mann vs Burpees, he is showing that sport is not only about competition, but transformation. The nation stands united behind him, one burpee at a time, for the dreams and education of countless children.”
Mann Sharma shared his thoughts before his first lap: “This is the moment we’ve been building toward. Months of training, preparation, and purpose come down to this. Mann vs Burpees is not just about endurance; it’s about proving that no dream is too big when your ‘why’ is strong enough. Every burpee I do carries the hope of a child deserving a better future. I am honoured and grateful to the Sports Ministry, Fit India, and everyone supporting this journey. Together, we are starting not just an event, but a movement.”
Mann’s journey has always been defined by resilience and purpose. He trained at elite football academies in Italy and Spain, including the Paolo Rossi Academy and Real Madrid Foundation Camp, and overcame setbacks from injury and the pandemic.
His past endurance feats—running 100 km in 24 hours for the homeless, completing 29 hours of burpees for children’s education, walking 205 km from Delhi to Agra for awareness, and climbing Bali’s three highest peaks to raise funds for suicide prevention—reflect his unwavering commitment to creating impact through endurance.
