Malnad Ultra set for record-breaking 9th edition

BENGALURU: The 9th edition of Malad Ultra, one of the premier trail runs in the country, will be held in the lush coffee estates of the Chikkamagaluru district in Karnataka on Nov 22.

Around1,300 runners are expected to participate in the endurance race.The Malnad Ultra is the only Indian run recognized by the Asia Trail Master Series and serves as a highly coveted qualifying race for the prestigious Western States Endurance Run (USA). This year's roster boasts a significant international presence, with athletes registered from the US, Nepal, Netherlands, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, Philippines, and the UK.

Runners will compete across three gruelling categories: 30 km, 50 km, and the ultimate 100 km challenge.Of the 1,311 registered runners, 346 are seasoned veterans returning to the Malnad Ultra. Notably, participation from women has hit a new peak this year, with 168 female athletes registered.

“The Malnad Ultra is specifically designed to be non-competitive. Its main purpose is to celebrate the trails and bring city runners out of their comfort zone and closer to nature,” said Shyam Sundar Pani, Event Director, Malnad Ultra.

The course is challenging by design, forcing participants to tackle steep uphill climbs, navigate rocky surfaces, cross streams, and manage slippery descents. Runners in the 100 km category face the added challenge of running through the night, guided only by head torches and supported by dedicated aid stations staffed with emergency medical personnel.The event has also proven vital in nurturing national talent, producing Indian trail-running stalwarts like Ashwini Ganapathi Bhat, who successfully conquered two tough international trail runs in Japan and Malaysia this year.“Partnering with the Malnad Ultra for a second year reinforces our core commitment to community wellness and sustainability,” said Aravind Gowda, Senior Director-Communications, Tekion, an automotive retail technology company, which is supporting the event for the second consecutive year. “This world-class trail run perfectly aligns with the 'Tekion for Good' initiative, actively promoting health and raising the competitive bar for athletes across the globe.

”"Last year, the Malnad Ultra demonstrated true grit as hundreds of runners navigated its tough terrain. The significant increase in international participation this year, particularly from Europe, confirms its status as a global endurance challenge," said Sowmya Malliah, Vice President, APAC People Team, Tekion.