Jasdeep Singh, a 50-year-old trailblazer from Windsor, Ontario, in Canada has achieved an extraordinary milestone by becoming the first Sikh in North America to complete marathons (42 km) on all seven continents, including Antarctica Ice Marathon – the southernmost marathon recognized by Guinness World Records. In December 2024, he joined an elite group of fewer than 500 runners worldwide to achieve this remarkable feat. His journey was recently highlighted by CBC in Canada.
As an immigrant from India to Canada, Jasdeep began his running journey in his early 40s in Windsor, a small city in southern Ontario. Over the last decade, he has gradually completed marathons across the globe. His journey includes completing the Detroit Marathon in 2018 and the New York Marathon in 2019 for North America. His European marathons include the Berlin Marathon in 2021 and the London Marathon in 2022. In 2023, he finished the Rio Marathon in South America and Cape Town Marathon in Africa. In Asia, he completed the Tokyo Marathon in 2024 and in Australia, he ran the Sydney Marathon that same year. Finally, he reached the pinnacle of his journey by completing the Antarctica Ice Marathon on Union Glacier in December 2024.
The Antarctic Challenge
Jasdeep’s journey culminated in Antarctica, where he ran amidst of the harshest environments on the planet. The location’s remote nature added an adventurous twist to the
challenge. Without an airport, Jasdeep along with 64 other participants landed on ice aboard a specially equipped Boeing 757, a landing Jasdeep described as a testament to the pilot’s skill and precision.
Running through Antarctica’s extreme conditions of sub-zero temperatures, ultra violet (UV) radiation and icy winds tested Jasdeep’s endurance and mental fortitude. “Antarctica was a dream and the most challenging race of all. Completing this marathon felt like conquering a piece of myself and proving that we are capable of anything when we put our mind to it,” said Jasdeep.
Trained for Success
Jasdeep credits his success to the guidance of his trainer, David Stewart, who worked with him in Windsor for several years. Through rigorous training and preparation, Jasdeep built the stamina and mental resilience needed to take on such a monumental feat. He also took inspiration from local Canadian hero Terry Fox and marine Cedric King, who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan, and now runs races on prosthetic legs.
The Support of Family
Jasdeep also credits his success to the unwavering support of his family—his wife and their two children. “I am lucky that my wife shared my passion, without her support this feat would not have been possible. To see my family cheer for me at the finish line was the most cherished moment of the races. I can’t wait to see my kids take on more community roles and may be one day even run a marathon with them”, he said
An Inspiration to the Sikh Community
Jasdeep Singh’s achievement as the first Sikh in North America to run Marathon’s on all seven continents is a source of immense pride for the Sikh and Punjabi community worldwide. Running while proudly wearing a turban, he proved that cultural and religious identity is a strength, not a limitation.
His journey began with a 5K fundraiser organized by United Sikhs of Windsor, and he has since raised over $15,000 for cause like the Terry Fox Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Care International exemplifying the Sikh principle of “Sarbat Da Bhalla” (service to all).
“I hope my journey inspires our youth to chase their dreams fearlessly. Our identity is not a barrier—it’s a strength, be strong and help others in need. If I can do it, anyone can,” he said. Reflecting on his Antarctic marathon, he celebrated the unity among 64 runners from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the power of perseverance and shared purpose.
CBC coverage:
Video: https://youtu.be/qvksxIOb-TA?si=MOgVV1jDUahO4D0S
Full Article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-runner-marathons-7-continents-1.7427056
