Story of a world record
2024 was not a good year for Michal Sula: the DRÄXLMAIER employee from Bratislava was eliminated from three extreme running competitions that were important to him. But that was no reason for Sula to give up. On the contrary: on January 9, 2025, he achieved something that no one had ever done before. The story of a world record.
When Michal Sula stepped off the treadmill at the beginning of January after 168 hours of running and an incredible 912.22 kilometers, he was a little depressed. And disappointed that the race was “already” over. "For me, the most important thing is always the journey to the finish. The result then comes by itself," says Sula, who broke the previous world record of his competitor Jamie McDonald on January 9 and is therefore the new world record holder in the 7-day treadmill race.
To the top of the world in just eleven years
The path and development to becoming a world-class runner, which Sula considers to be his real goal, began in 2013. The now 50-year-old started training regularly at the age of 39. He was motivated by his son, whom he accompanied to athletics training and running. It quickly became clear to Michal Sula that running could mean more to him and he got stuck in.
In the eleven years that followed, Sula won one medal after another: He took part in a total of 120 marathons and ultramarathons, became national champion seven times and record holder in Serbia four times. After moving to Slovakia, Sula also won the title of national champion there twice and also became the national record holder there twice.
Full support from family and work colleagues
Sula also masters his tasks at DRÄXLMAIER in Bratislava and, as an employee in Line Support at the VW plant, ensures the smooth installation of DRÄXLMAIER wiring systems, which are delivered from Balti in Moldova to the line at the VW plant. Just like in sport, Sula also feels comfortable at work when the challenges are big enough and the team sticks together: “A good team and a pleasant working atmosphere are extremely important to me.” His work colleagues have his back, even when it comes to sport: “They support me and cheer me on, which means a lot to me.” In addition to his work colleagues, Sula can always rely on the unwavering support of his two grown-up children and his wife. They back him up and give him strength: "I'm very lucky to have a family like this. No sporting success can compare to that."
Growing with challenges
The strength that his family gives him is just as important to Sula as the daily training and, in particular, the mental preparation for the competitions. He still has big plans, because in Sula's eyes the limits of his capabilities are far from being reached: "Although I'm already 50 years old, I don't think I've reached my peak. This record on the treadmill is certainly the hardest thing I've ever done - both physically and mentally. However, there is still room for improvement." This year, Sula wants to take part in the World Championships 24-hour run and improve on his result of 266 kilometers from 2023. He finished fifth back then and wants to do even better this year. “I also believe that I could be successful in some of the toughest ultramarathons, such as the 135-mile ”Badwater“ race in Death Valley in the USA, the 245-kilometre ”Spartathlon“ in Greece or the 210-kilometre ‘Ultrabalaton’ in Hungary.”
So Sula will continue on his path and continue his search for new challenges. He is determined to do so because: “Ultra running demands enormous sacrifices and willpower from me, but it also gives me an indescribable feeling of fulfillment and happiness.”
