Who says marathons need daylight?
In the heart of Tampere, a city known for its vibrant energy and adventurous spirit, Aksu Karima, a 25-year-old local, found himself inspired by a rather unconventional idea in 2020. It all started when he stumbled upon an article online detailing the remarkable achievement of someone who conquered a half marathon on the iconic stairs of Pispala, nestled on the slopes of Pyynikinharju. However, for Karima, this impressive feat was just the beginning of a much grander adventure.
Driven by a desire to push his own limits, Karima embarked on a mission that surpassed the boundaries of ordinary challenges. Instead of settling for a half marathon, he set his sights on a full marathon distance, to be completed between the darkness of Friday night and the break of dawn on Saturday morning, all on those very stairs that had inspired him.
“It was a spontaneous decision. I just felt like I could do it,” Karima shared in a reflective Facebook post on Saturday, recounting the pivotal moment when he committed to the audacious endeavor.
When approached by reporters from Ilta-Sanomat on Saturday afternoon, Karima, still in the throes of post-feat rest, reflected on his journey and the lack of specific training for such an extraordinary feat.
“I didn’t really prepare for this. It was more of a spontaneous decision my friend and I made about two weeks ago. No special training, just a trial run,” he explained with a hint of modesty.
Choosing the night for his venture was a strategic move for Karima. Understanding that the hustle and bustle of daytime Pispala might hinder his focus, he opted for the serene ambiance that the night offered, allowing him to concentrate solely on his monumental task.
“The Pispala stairs are quite popular, especially during the day. So, the nighttime provided a serene environment to concentrate,” Karima noted, reflecting on the tranquility that enveloped him during his nocturnal odyssey.
Karima’s journey, which commenced at 8:40 pm on Friday and culminated at 9:25 am on Saturday, was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of 12 hours, 32 minutes, and 27 seconds, he conquered a staggering 5,131 meters of elevation gain, burning a whopping 7,112 calories in the process.
Though Karima fell short of his target time, the magnitude of his achievement was undeniable, resonating with the spirit of determination and resilience that defines the city of Tampere.
The beginning of his journey was marked by camaraderie, with a few friends lending their support as his entourage. However, as the night progressed, the challenges became more apparent, testing Karima’s resolve and fortitude.
“A few friends were there with drinks and encouragement. But in the wee hours, between two and four, it got tough walking alone. Yet, with the sunrise, came renewed vigor,” Karima recalled, reflecting on the pivotal moments of his journey.
Acknowledging the invaluable support of his friends, who returned in the morning with food and encouragement, Karima expressed his heartfelt gratitude, recognizing the role they played in helping him achieve his goal.
“I owe a lot to them. Without their support, I probably wouldn’t have crossed the finish line,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of community and camaraderie in overcoming challenges.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Karima chose to keep the celebrations low-key, opting for a quiet moment of reflection and rest after completing the marathon.
“We grabbed some food and then it was straight to bed. I didn’t want to make a big fuss about it in case something went wrong. So, no extravagant celebrations,” he reasoned, embodying the humility and modesty that define his character.
As he woke up into Saturday evening, Karima had no grand plans for post-event festivities. For him, the journey was about personal triumph and pushing his limits, a testament to the adventurous spirit that defines the people of Tampere.
“My legs are still sore, so I’m taking it easy for now. But every challenge turns into a victory eventually,” he affirmed, embodying the resilience and determination that characterize his approach to life’s challenges.
Karima’s remarkable feat is not an isolated incident but a reflection of his adventurous spirit and willingness to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible. Whether it’s conquering a marathon on the iconic stairs of Pispala or embarking on a 5.5-kilometer swim to a friend’s cottage in Teisko, Karima’s unwavering determination and commitment to his goals serve as an inspiration to all who dare to dream big and defy the odds.