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Ultra trail run in Dholavira, a test of human endurance

A first of its kind race, the desert run will be held in three categories across the white salt marsh of the famed Rann of Kutch

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Ultra trail races will be making a grand debut in Gujarat. After hosting marathons, the state is gearing up for the first ever, desert ultra trail run — Run the Rann — to be held in picturesque Dholavira this weekend.

The event will be held over three races — 21 km, 42 km and 101 km runs — through harsh terrain. The routes traverse a sprawling 2,897 sq mile salt marsh. Apart from promoting healthy lifestyle, the race is aimed at trail running, adventure sports and above all, ecotourism in the state. Considering the difficult terrain, the 101-km ultra trail race will spill over to Day II, said organisers.

“Trail races are a complete contrast to normal road races or marathons. Generally, a participant runs through bushes, jungles and rocks. But, in Dholavira, runners will come across salt marsh and hilly terrain that are equally tough. A runner is required to preserve stamina while running because in those areas, running is easier said than done. Moreover, in trail races, the navigation skills of a runner are put to a severe test.

Simply put, it is adventure running,” said Lihas Trivedi, who will be among the hundreds of participants in the race.

Trail races are contested over two types of modalities, either over a set distance or set time, throwing a unique challenge at racers. Races are organised on trails where athletes get to enjoy the serene environment of a forest or a desert.

Ultra races are a combination of two or more of the available terrain and some also span a few stages and run over a few days.

Aids stations, supplying food and beverages, are located every five to 10 kilometre along the course. Most trail races only have a single stage, where competitors are timed over the entire duration of the run, including stops at aid stations. Competitors, however, need to carry their equipment (food, sleeping bag, change, emergency flare, compass, flashlight).

Some of the elite trail runners from across the world, including Nikki Kimbal, Csaba Nemeth and Justin Bowyer, will be participating, too. India will be represented by military and paramilitary personnel.

“I was wrapped up in the Wilderness First Responder course when I heard about this race being held in western India. As it will be my very first race in India, I am looking up to it,” said Krissy Moehl, a two-time Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc champion.

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