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January 18, 2024

What Makes Marvell - Anu Agrawal’s Unforgettable Journey in Antarctica

By Mary Gorges, Content Manager, Talent Branding, Marvell



At Marvell, we celebrate the extraordinary experiences of our employees on a regular basis.

Recently, our own Anu Agrawal accomplished a remarkable feat by completing a half marathon in Antarctica. Once past the icy Drake Passage to travel there, Anu faced the most challenging running course of her life. Join us as we explore her awe-inspiring journey, highlighting the traits that drive her to conquer challenges and inspire others, both in and outside the workplace.

Just to reach her destination, Anu’s ship needed to cross the notorious Drake Passage, an icy expanse situated at the foot of South America. Alongside her fellow travelers, she encountered towering waves measuring 25 feet and beyond. The journey itself was challenging, and by the time Anu was ready to run, she had gone almost two weeks without engaging in any exercise. This extended hiatus from training added an extra layer of difficulty as she prepared to tackle the race. 

Once underway, Anu found herself navigating a course that was hilly, gravelly and muddy, making it the toughest course she and many of her 150 fellow runners had ever experienced. The challenging conditions prompted several participants to switch from the full marathon to the 13-mile half marathon. Despite the real risk of hypothermia in the frigid Antarctic environment, Anu and the other runners remained undeterred. They embraced the tradition of the “polar plunge” into icy waters.

At the end, Anu says she simply felt a strong sense of accomplishment. So many things had to align correctly to just complete the race and she was very glad that she did it.



Here’s Anu in her own words about the qualities that fueled her success in the race, showcasing the tenacity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills that not only define her as an athlete but make her an exceptional leader at Marvell. 

“Anyone who has done an endurance sport will tell you that it is a test of your grit, your perseverance, your ability to innovate and adapt, and to do what is necessary to be successful. There were many challenges and hurdles that I had to overcome for this specific trip – from training to logistics to minimizing disruption at work. I met some incredible people, and I learned that nothing worth achieving and feeling proud of is easy.

“It’s easy to follow the beaten path, but creating a new trail requires a certain sense of confidence in our ability to solve problems and not be afraid to be that first person. However, it also means that it can make people around us uneasy, and so it can be hard when there are a lot of naysayers.

“I reflected quite a bit during and after my trip and I feel one of the reasons I was successful was because I was in control even when it seemed like I was not. I took ownership and responsibility; I was making decisions, delegating, problem solving. I was in my element, and I loved it! I’m currently planning my next adventure. But until then, I’m focusing on some family time.”

Anu lives in the Bay Area and is a Director in Incentive Compensation Strategy & Sales Operations at Marvell.

Tags: What Makes Marvell

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