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[flute202020]

http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/05/02/india_boyrunner060502.html

A four-year-old boy nicknamed "India's Forrest Gump" ran 65 kilometres in seven hours and two minutes on Tuesday, an effort his coach said was likely a world record.

Budhia Singh was escorted by a team of doctors and 300 army cadets as he ran from Puri town to Bhubaneswar in the eastern state of Orissa.

 
Budhia Singh, 4, runs along with soldiers in Bhubaneswar, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, during his 65-kilometre run Tuesday. (Biswaranjan Rout/AP) 
Thousands of people cheered Budhia on and threw garlands around his neck as he ran, according to reports.

His coach, Biranchi Das, said doctors stopped the boy before he completed his intended run of 70 kilometres because he showed signs of exhaustion.

To qualify for the Boston Marathon, male runners aged 18 to 34 must run 42 kilometres in 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Officials with India's official book of records, Limca, said they planned to include the feat in their 2007 edition, said the Press Trust of India news agency.

The run comes amid allegations the boy's coach is pushing him too hard in a bid for fame.

Das says he and his wife adopted Budhia after his impoverished mother tried to sell the boy, whose father is dead.

The coach discovered the tot's athletic ability when Budhia was ordered to run laps for trespassing on a sports field. When the coach returned five hours later, Budhia was still running.

But state child welfare officials have alleged Das is pushing the boy too hard in order to gain fame.

Budhia, who practises for 10 hours a day, told reporters he was happy to do it.

"I loved running today. I can run as much as I want," the child told reporters.

[ranjit]

This is truly amazing for a four year old. I hope that this boy is taken care of well and not exploited.

[achutank]

his mother sold him for 800 bucks to to a feriwala from whom das repurchased the boy back for 800 bucks when he was three years old. when someone is three years old he can't be a helper. i fear what use the feriwala found for young bhutia.  it's unthinakable but i know that's the state of affairs everywhere. really pray for the children of our country that no harm comes to them and they lead a well-balanced, well-nourished and rich life wherever they are.