How Akash Korgaonkar Is Making Fitness Fun with Ruggedian

Team L&M

How do you make fitness exciting instead of boring? That was the question that led Akash Korgaonkar, an Ironman triathlon finisher, to turn his passion into a powerful entrepreneurial journey.

Today, he is the founder of Ruggedian, a sports, adventure, and lifestyle company that is redefining fitness in India through marathons, obstacle races, trail runs, and corporate adventure programmes. His mission is simple yet impactful—to democratise fitness by making it fun, inclusive, and accessible.

The Idea: Fitness for Everyone, Not Just Athletes

Akash’s vision was shaped during his experience with high-endurance sports like the MTB Himalaya—one of the toughest mountain biking events in India.

That’s when a thought struck him: What about the ordinary person?

“Most of us are ordinary people. Why shouldn’t everyone get a chance to stay fit while enjoying the process?” he says.

This realisation became the foundation of his fitness philosophy—fitness should not be limited to elite athletes but open to all.

The Birth of Ruggedian

In 2012, Akash organised Rugged Sahyadri, a cycling and hiking event that saw participation from over 250 people.

“That was the founding moment for Ruggedian,” he recalls.

What started as a single event soon evolved into a full-fledged platform promoting alternate sports and adventure fitness in India.

Breaking the Monotony of Traditional Workouts

An MBA graduate from MITSOB Pune, Akash strongly believes that fitness should go beyond treadmills and gym routines.

“Running on a treadmill or using a cross-trainer may help you stay fit, but it doesn’t bring genuine joy. I wanted to create experiences that make people smile,” he explains.

His approach combines:

• Physical activity
• Mental rejuvenation
• Adrenaline-driven experiences

This blend ensures a more holistic and enjoyable fitness journey.

The Rise of Alternate Sports in India

Ruggedian focuses on activities that naturally create excitement and a sense of achievement:

• Obstacle races
• Trail runs
• Cross mountain biking
• Trekking and hiking

These activities not only improve physical fitness but also boost confidence and mental resilience.

“I want to offer a 360-degree experience for anyone interested in alternate sports,” says Akash.

Scaling Up: From 250 Participants to 15,000+

The first event in Kolhapur was a success, encouraging Akash to expand further.

Today, Ruggedian hosts large-scale events with over 15,000 participants, making it one of the emerging names in India’s fitness and adventure event industry.

These events are open to all—whether you are a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast.

Corporate Fitness: A Growing Trend

Ruggedian has also tapped into the growing demand for corporate wellness and team-building activities.

“Work environments have evolved. Companies now invest in outdoor activities to boost employee morale and teamwork,” Akash explains.

Adventure-based fitness activities:

• Improve employee engagement
• Build confidence
• Encourage teamwork
• Help individuals break out of their comfort zones

Achievements and Recognition

Akash’s personal fitness journey is equally inspiring:

• Finisher of Ironman triathlon
• Winner of Enduro3 Ironman
• First Ironman finisher from South Maharashtra (2014)

For his contribution to promoting fitness in India, he has received:

• Youth Icon Award (2015)
• Mayor Award (2015)

He has also:

• Mentored the Gujarat Kabaddi Team (2017)
• Been appointed President of the Kolhapur District Paralympic Association

Conclusion: Redefining Fitness in India

Akash Korgaonkar’s journey with Ruggedian is a powerful example of how fitness can be transformed into an engaging lifestyle rather than a routine chore.

By combining adventure, community, and accessibility, he is helping build a culture where fitness is not just about discipline—but also about joy, excitement, and shared experiences.