There’s a pleasant, familiar sight that Bangalore offers every single morning. Before the sun rises, before the incessant honking can begin, before the city’s everyday routine and humdrum can present itself, the streets will have already been pounded thousands of times by runners. Some run in organised groups filled with energy and conversation, while others prefer a more intimate, one-on-one conversation with the road. But there is an unmistakable trend that’s making running everybody’s new favourite activity. And Bangalore has quickly earned a reputation as being one of India’s biggest running destinations. July marks the beginning of the running season, with a whole bunch of exciting running events coming up. Here are a few must-do/must-run events coming up, in and around Bangalore.
TRORTConsidered to be a great event for runners who are looking to test their legs out on a hilly course. Great for elevation training with a healthy mix of flats and hills.
Where: Kanakpura Road, Bangalore
When: Saturday, July 30
Distances Offered: 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
Airtel Hyderabad MarathonBangalore sends a sizeable contingent for a fun weekend getaway to Hyderabad every year. The course is riddled with flyovers and hills, but is also known for being extremely well organised with a ton of volunteers along the course.
When: Sunday, August 28
Where: Hyderabad
Distances Offered: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
Kaveri Trail MarathonPhoto Source: Kaveri Trail Marathon
Often touted as one of the best trail marathons around town, KTM offers runners an extremely scenic, rustic route. Full marathoners have to watch out for a brutal 2nd loop and a pretty harsh sun that’s usually in full swing before the 2nd loop begins.
Where: Srirangapatna
When: Sunday, September 18
Distances Offered: 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
Shriram Properties Bengaluru MarathonHome turf! The 3rd edition of our very own Bengaluru Marathon promises to be bigger and better and is growing in popularity every year. Runners get to enjoy some quality time in Cubbon Park, which is picturesque and usually a couple of degrees cooler than the rest of the city.
When: Sunday, October 16
Where: Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore (Starting Point)
Distances Offered: 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
Bangalore UltraPhoto Source: Bangalore Ultra
Two days of packed events for runners of all calibers. If you look at the list of distances offered, you’ll realize why this is one of the most popular events in town for ultra-marathoners. Day 2 offers distances (12.5k and 25k) for some of the more “normal” runners, too.
When: Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13
Where: Hennur Bamboo Forest
Distances Offered: 12.5k, 25k, 50k, 75k, 100k, 24 Hour Challenge
Find out more about it here.
Spice Coast MarathonPhoto: Sandeep Chandran
Offering a flat and humid course, the Spice Coast marathon in Kochi gives us an opportunity for a fun weekend getaway to God’s Own Country.
When: Sunday, November 13
Where: Kochi, Kerala
Distances Offered: 5k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Corporate Relay
Find out more about it here.
Bangalore Midnight MarathonPhoto Source: Flashbulbzz Photography
Run loops around Whitefield in one of the few night races in Bangalore. Not quite a favourite for those who are seriously into running because apparently it messes with your system, do this one for the fun of it.
When: Sunday, December 4
Where: Whitefield, Bangalore
Distances Offered: 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
The Wipro Chennai MarathonPhoto Source: The Wipro Chennai Marathon
Flat and fast! The Chennai Marathon begins super early and offers runners a fun view of the beach and the Bay of Bengal. Quite the picturesque route that’s great for those just starting out.
When: Sunday, December 11
Where: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Distances Offered: 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
Standard Chartered Mumbai MarathonPhoto: Sayyed Sameer Abedi
Arguably one of India’s most prestigious marathons, rub shoulders with Anil Ambani and Rahul Bose! Great course, good weather and a killer uphill climb towards the second half make it a strenuous one. This one’s an annual pilgrimage that many runners make from Bangalore.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2017
Where: Mumbai
Distances Offered: 6km, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Senior Citizens Run, Champions with Disability
Find out more about it here.
Auroville MarathonTypically one of the last few races of the season, the Auroville Marathon is a fun trail marathon that takes runners inside the Auroville campus in Pondicherry.
When: Sunday, February 12, 2017
Where: Pondicherry
Distances Offered: 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Find out more about it here.
Inputs from Arun Britto Lawrence.
Feature Photo: Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon