India’s Most Picturesque Marathons
Without borders or language issues, running is a sport that can take you anywhere. Be it the runner or the person watching the run, the joy and the power of the human physical body you experienced is simply makes you feel alive and positive .For those of you tired of running on the tough terrains, save your energy and run through some of the picturesque runs in India.
Alibag Running and Living Beach Half Marathon
Location: Maharashtra
It does not matter from where you are, its time you take your run to a more competitive level. Pass through the flat, hard sands of Kihim beach during the low tide at dawn. The scenery you get through while running is simply magnificent. One can choose from 5km, 10.55 km and 21.1km races respectively.
Corbett Running and Living XC Marathon
Location: Uttaranchal
The marathon is a cross country ride on the edges of the Corbett tiger reserve where the path is mixture of pebbles and tar making it difficult run along the dense jungle. The categories of races organized are: 5km, 10.55km, 21.1km and 42.2km respectively. There could not be a better way of enjoying your wildlife safari vacation than running alongside the forest and the animals.
The WindChasers Sandakphu 70Mile Himalayan Race
Location: West Bengal
The marathon takes place continuously for 4 days with the highest point of sandakphu peak at 12,000ft. For taking part in the marathon and running, you need to train yourself accordingly well before the event. But the efforts will eventually get paid witnessing the amazing views of Mt Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Lhotse. And if got lucky might be a red panda at the Singalila National Park.
Sohra Cherrapunjee Marathon
Location: Meghalaya
The marathon involves you running on the wettest part on earth surrounded by the snow covered mountain peaks, deep valleys and stunning waterfalls. Beginning from the impressive village of Mawkdok the track sees three different racing routes including; 42km full marathon, the 21km half marathon, and the 10km particularly for children of age between 3–15 and the differently able.
Chandrataal Ultra Run
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Spiti valley, the marathon offers stunning views of snow covered mountain peaks, glaciers, number of streams and the exquisite Chandra River all along the track. The race is organized in two levels- 50km (starting from the chatru and finish at the overnight camp along the Chandrataal Lake) , 100 km( starts from the town of Sissu-10,270ft above sea level through Chandrataal via Batal and Kunzum Pass)
Ladakh Marathon
Location: Jammu & Kashmir
You can enjoy your own way of feeling the air by running one of the highest marathons in the world. The path of marathon offers spectacular views of the snow covered mountains, valleys and pretty rivers of the region along with the sights of famous Buddhist temples. The event takes place is four parts to choose from- the 7km, Half Marathon, Marathon, and the 72km Khardungla Challenge (toughest of them all).
Image source: thetimesofudaipur.com
Go Heritage Run – Udaipur
Location: Rajasthan
Pace your life up with by signing up for this marathon, where you get to see the stunning sights of the Jagdish Mandir and Lake Pichola from an entirely different point of view. The run starts from the famous city palace and finish it there only. The marathon has three levels of different routes: 5km, 10km and 21km
Spice Coast Marathon, Kochi
Location: Kerala
The trail is designed in a way that you get to see atleast one of the popular historical landmark every kilometer. Stretched over 42 kms, the runway crosses through the Willingdon Island (start and end point), spice market, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi are among some of them. Simple options comprise the 5km Family Run and 21.1km Half Marathon.
Go Heritage Run – Hampi
Location: Karnataka
A marathon that goes through a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers to witness the ruins of the old monuments compriseing- Virupaksha and Vittala temples. Depemdoing on your fitness level, the races are divided into 3 levels- 5km (easy), 10km (moderate) and 21km (difficult), each covering different scenic route.
The Nilgiris Ultra,
Location: Tamil Nadu
This 70 km race involves the path featuring mountains, forest roads, hills, valleys and pretty waterfalls. The run takes you through the peaceful villages and town and stops short at Doddabetta peak. One can choose from 26km or 52km race if you wish, they do sound less but are pretty difficult when go through.
Go Heritage Run – Badami,
Location: Karnataka
Beginning from the Badami museum, the route of the marathon passes thorough Badami Fort, Bhutnatha temple, Agastya Lake and if your luck gets to shine, you may encounter stunning waterfalls. You get to choose from 5km, 10km or 21km respectively. So the choice is your’s, whether you come back or go ahead further with the more picturesque path.