Vision, discipline, consistency and perseverance are qualities that build successful businesses. They are also the qualities that carry endurance athletes across some of the world’s toughest finish lines.

For Mahesh Salve, Founder of LENSPEX, a growing chain of optical stores in Nashik, and Secretary of the Maha Opticians Association (MHOA), Maharashtra State, these two worlds are closely connected. An entrepreneur and optical industry professional, Mahesh has taken his philosophy of goal-setting and perseverance beyond business and into the demanding world of ultra-distance running.

On August 30, 2026, Mahesh successfully completed the Hyderabad Full Marathon, covering 42.2 km and achieving the qualifying requirement to apply for the prestigious Comrades Marathon 2027 in South Africa.

Scheduled for June 13, 2027, the forthcoming edition will be particularly significant as it marks the historic 100^th running of the Comrades Marathon. Widely regarded as “The Ultimate Human Race,” the approximately 90 km ultramarathon runs between Pietermaritzburg and Durban and challenges participants to complete the course within a strict 12-hour cut-off.

Mahesh is no stranger to endurance challenges. His running journey includes the 56 km Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town in 2024, the 90 km Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa in 2025, and the gruelling 100 km Border Ultra in Rajasthan, from Jaisalmer towards Longewala, also in 2025.

Alongside his sporting pursuits, Mahesh continues to balance entrepreneurship with his commitment to the optical industry. Through LENSPEX, he is focused on making quality eyewear, better vision and contemporary style more accessible to consumers. As secretary of MHOA, he also contributes towards strengthening and supporting independent opticians across Maharashtra.

His journey reflects a philosophy that applies equally to business and endurance sport. “There are no shortcuts. Set a goal, prepare consistently and keep moving forward – especially when the challenge becomes difficult,” he shares.