Parag Sharma’s journey, both in business and life, exemplifies the power of persistence, hard work, and the pursuit of seemingly impossible dreams. As the Founder and CEO of O2 Power, Parag has demonstrated his commitment to clean energy and sustainable growth, but his personal accomplishments—especially in ultra-distance running—add another layer to his inspiring story. Parag Sharma’s recent achievement, the completion of the Jaisalmer Border Run, a grueling 100 km race, encapsulates the essence of his philosophy: “Impossible becomes possible with focus, hard work, and by dreaming it.”
Parag Sharma’s involvement in ultra-running began over a decade ago. He confesses that when he first started running, he didn’t envision himself taking on distances as extreme as 100 km. However, through the milestones of his athletic journey, the boundaries of what seemed impossible began to shift. In 2015, he participated in the Bangalore 50 km Ultra, which marked the beginning of his ultra-running journey. From that moment, Parag Sharma developed a deep-seated drive to push beyond conventional limits. Subsequent events, like the Tuffman 12-hour stadium run in December 2022, where he completed 87 km, and the Khardungla Challenge—which, despite its 72 km, tested his resolve with high altitudes and freezing temperatures—only fueled his ambition.
Parag Sharma’s progression as an ultra-runner is not just about physical endurance; it speaks volumes about his character and mindset. Even as he navigated the demands of leading O2 Power and managing frequent travel, he found ways to stay committed to his training. His 51 km run through the trails of the Aravalis last month served as a confidence booster, reinforcing his belief that he was ready for the ultimate challenge: the 100 km Border Run.
What makes Parag Sharma’s accomplishment particularly remarkable is not just the distance but the strategic planning and adaptation it required. Ultra-running demands more than just physical stamina; it requires a high level of mental resilience, a solid fueling strategy, and preparation for environmental extremes. For the Border Run, Parag took a calculated approach by focusing on his fueling strategy—something that many ultra-runners overlook. As he shared in his post, boiled potatoes were his food of choice, which he found to be effective during the race. Additionally, the unpredictable weather of Jaisalmer, where temperatures fluctuated from 24°C in the afternoon to a chilling 4-5°C by midnight, added another layer of complexity to the challenge.
As Parag Sharma made his way through the desert landscape, the lack of streetlights after sunset and the malfunctioning of his headlamp further tested his resolve. Yet, with the moonlight guiding his way, Parag pressed on. “At the 30 km mark, I started questioning my life’s choices,” Parag admits, humorously acknowledging the intense physical and mental toll the race was taking. However, it was this very questioning of limits that became a turning point—an internal reminder that every milestone worth achieving requires overcoming doubts and embracing discomfort. This mental fortitude is one of the core reasons why Parag Sharma has been able to achieve so much in both his professional and athletic pursuits.
By the time he crossed the finish line at 2 am, having completed the 100 km race in just under 14 hours, Parag experienced a profound sense of achievement. The seemingly impossible had become possible, and in that moment, he was reminded of the journey it took to get there. His experience in Jaisalmer—running alongside windmills and passing signboards of places he had often discussed in O2 Power meetings—served as a symbolic representation of how dreams can materialize in the real world.
The connection between Parag Sharma’s professional and personal endeavors is profound. O2 Power, the company he founded, is a major player in India’s renewable energy sector. A significant portion of its portfolio is based in Rajasthan, where the company’s first solar parks were established. Parag’s run through the heart of Rajasthan, culminating in the Border Run, brought a sense of full-circle fulfillment. As he crossed the finish line with the backdrop of O2 Power’s 380 MW plant in Neemba, Parag could not help but reflect on how both his personal goals and professional aspirations had converged in such a meaningful way. “This medal after running in its soil is therefore very, very special,” he remarked, recognizing the deep connection between his athletic pursuit and the achievements of his company.
Parag Sharma’s success in both ultra-running and the energy sector is rooted in the same values: resilience, a commitment to long-term goals, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. Whether in the desert of Jaisalmer or the boardrooms of O2 Power, Parag’s approach to life and work remains steadfast. His story serves as a reminder that limits are often self-imposed, and with focus, planning, and perseverance, even the most ambitious goals can be achieved.
Parag Sharma’s achievement in the Jaisalmer Border Run is not just a personal victory; it is a testament to the transformative power of hard work, discipline, and belief in oneself. Just as he has demonstrated in his professional journey, he shows us all that with dedication and a clear vision, we can overcome obstacles, reach new heights, and turn the impossible into the possible.
