International Ultra-Marathon Sinhgad-Rajgad-Torna Ultra-Marathon on Sunday

Pune: For the first time distance runners will take part in an international ultra-marathon that will go over three key forts in Pune—Sinhgad, Rajgad and Torna (SRT)—on Sunday December 9.

The run, which will go over three forts on one day, is being organised by the Western Ghat Running Foundation wherein runners from five countries, 15 states and 35 cities are expected to take part.

This run has been given qualifier status for Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc international run.

Runners from England, Malaysia, the Philippines and Cameroon are expected to take part, informed Digvijay Jedhe, Trustee of the Western Ghat Running Foundation.

Also present at the announcement press conference were Anil Pawar, Maruti Gole, Mandar Mate, Everester Harshad Rao, Mahesh Malsure.

Amar Dhumal, Shripal Oswal, Shahreel Suleiman, Kunal Bedarkar, Aditya Shinde, Balasaheb Sanas, Sujit Takawane, Swapnil Jadhav and Kailash Jedhe are actively involved in organsing the event.

The Ultra-marathon will begin at 6 am from Golewadi chowk at the foothills of Sinhgad fort with the runners in men and women category heading on to first stage of 11 kms to Narveer Tanaji Malusare’s memorial and back.

Then the runners will begin 25-km run from Sinhgad to Rajgad before the 50-km stretch from Sinhgad, Rajgad and Torna through Vinzar Sakhargaon, Gunjawane, Sanjivani Machi, Budhla Machi and from Velhe to end at Pabe village.

“This is first year of SRT run and the way route has been chosen it would be real challenge for the world’s mountain runners,” said Rao.

The average altitude the runners will run through would be 7875 ft which will help them get used to high-altitude running and gain the much-needed practice of running through thin air.

“Sinhgad, Rajgad and Torna are located on same mountain ranges with the course presenting breathtaking view of villages, farms which came into being during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Winners to qualify for UTMB 2019

Given that SRT has been accorded affiliation by the International Trail Running Association, the finishers will be eligible to compete at Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 2019 schedule to be held in France next year. Every participant is going to earn 3 points for taking part in SRT.