Race Guide.
The Devil is in the detailsComprehensive information to help with everything from eligibility to the finish line.
The Manual
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Race Details
We request participants to review the information provided here in detail before signing up for our event. This will go a long way in ensuring that you have a great experience and help us meet your expectations.
Race Categories
We offer four categories that are designed to offer challenges to match the abilities and experience of a wide variety of runners.
30 KM
This category is designed for first-time trail runners and regular hikers. Runners who have completed a few half-marathons on city roads can begin their trail journey here. We hope to convert you into trail runners for life!
Registration Fees: ₹ 3000
Start Time: 7:30 AM, November 28
End Time: 1:30 PM, November 28
Maximum Time: 6.0 hours
Net Ascent/Descent: +951m / -951m
Loop: 1 x 30 KM
ITRA Points/Mountain Level/Finisher Level: 1/3/280
50 KM (Day)
This category is designed for regular marathoners and experienced hikers. Runners who have completed a few full-marathons on city roads or other trail runs can consider signing up for this category. The Day edition does not need any special equipment since our course is mostly non-technical.
Registration Fees: ₹ 4000
Start Time: 7:00 AM, November 28
End Time: 5:00 PM, November 28
Maximum Time: 10.0 hours
Net Ascent/Descent: +1705m / -1705m
Loop: 1 x 50 KM
ITRA Points/Mountain Level/Finisher Level: 2/3/370
50 KM (Night)
This category is designed for regular marathoners and experienced hikers who want to experience the thrill of night-running or prefer to run in cooler temperatures.
This category is also suitable for runners who want to pace and provide company to a 100 KM participant in their second loop.
Headlights or hand-held flashlights are mandatory for this category.
Registration Fees: ₹ 4000
Start Time: 4:30 PM, November 28
End Time: 3:30 AM, November 29
Maximum Time: 11.0 hours
Net Ascent/Descent: +1705m / -1705m
Loop: 1 x 50 KM
ITRA Points/Mountain Level/Finisher Level: 2/3/340
100 KM
This category is designed for highly experienced marathoners and trail runners who want to test their endurance and mental strength.
Finishers in this category can apply to the Western States Endurance Run lottery, 2028.
Headlights or hand-held flashlights are mandatory for this category in the second loop.
Registration Fees: ₹ 5000
Start Time: 6:30 AM, November 28
End Time: 3:30 AM, November 29
Maximum Time: 21.0 hours
Net Ascent/Descent: +3410m / -3410m
Loop: 2 x 50 KM
ITRA Points/Mountain Level/Finisher Level: 4/4/410
Course Details
Our course has a single loop of 30 KMs and another single loop of 50 KMs, both in the clockwise direction. The first 25 KMs of both loops overlap, and are identical. The 50 KM course takes a fork to the left approx. 1 KM after Aid Station 3, around 26 KM mark. The 100 KM runners will complete the same 50 KM loop two times.
Course Maps
Route Maps for 30 KM and 50 KM are shared below along with the locations of the aid stations. The 100 KM course is 2 x 50 KM.
30 KM Map and Aid Stations
50 KM Map and Aid Stations
GPX Files
These GPX files are provided for reference only. We might make minor changes to the route based on ground conditions on Race Day. Our course markers will always overrule the GPX files and runners must follow the markings provided on the course.
Cut-Off Times
We take our cut-off times seriously and there will be no exceptions. Please note the intermediate and final cut-off times for your category below.
30 KM
Runners must pass through all Aid Stations and Timing Mats on the course and reach the Finish Line by 1:30 PM (6.0 hours).
There are no intermediate cut-offs.
50 KM (Day)
Runners must pass through all Aid Stations and Timing Mats on the course and reach the Finish Line by 5:00 PM (10.0 hours).
Additionally, runners must cross the 38 KM checkpoint at Aid Station #5 by 3:00 PM. If not, we will hold runners at this Aid Station and not let them continue because it is unlikely that they can finish by 5:00 PM. Again, this is for runner safety because we do not want runners on the course in the dark without lights.
50 KM (Night)
Runners must pass through all Aid Stations and Timing Mats on the course and reach the Finish Line by 3:30 AM of Sunday, 29th November (11.0 hours).
Additionally, runners must cross the 38 KM checkpoint at Aid Station #5 by 1:30 AM. If not, we will hold runners at this Aid Station and not let them continue.
100 KM
Runners must pass through all Aid Stations and Timing Mats on the course and reach the Finish Line by 3:30 AM of Sunday, 29th November (21.0 hours).
There are two intermediate cut-offs:
- Runners must start their second loop of 50 KM by 4:30 PM
- Additionally, runners must cross the 88 KM checkpoint at Aid Station #5 by 1:30 AM on November 29th. If not, we will hold runners at this Aid Station and not let them continue.
Entry Criteria
For participant safety, we attempt to assess current level of training and endurance in the weeks approaching our event. All participants are required to share proof of meeting the eligibility criteria listed for their category by November 7th, 2026.
The eligibility information can be provided during our online registration in the field(s) provided, or by sending an email to us from your registered email ID.
Entries will not get accepted without meeting the eligibility criteria and you willl not be allowed to participate in the event. Registration fees will also not be refunded in such cases.
If you are not sure about your eligibility, please drop us an email in advance and confirm before registration.
30 KM
Meet any ONE of the criteria listed here:
- Previous participant of Malnad Ultra in any year and any category. DNFs are okay, but you must have started during that event.
- Complete a Half Marathon of 21 Kms at any officially timed event under 2 hours and 30 minutes in calendar year 2026.
- You have an ITRA Performance Index > 0. See details here.
50 KM (Day/Night)
Meet any ONE of the criteria listed here:
- Previous FINISHER of Malnad Ultra in any year and any category. DNFs are not okay.
- Complete a Full Marathon of 42 Kms at an officially timed event under 5 hours and 30 minutes in calendar year 2026.
- You have an ITRA Performance Index > 275. See details here.
- You have finished in 30 KM or higher category in any other trail event in calendar year 2026.
- You have completed a 50 KM or longer Stadium Run in calendar year 2026.
100 KM
Meet any ONE of the criteria listed here:
- Previous FINISHER of Malnad Ultra in any year in 50 KM or higher category.
- Complete two Full Marathons of 42 Kms at an officially timed event under 5 hours and 30 minutes in calendar year 2026.
- You have an ITRA Performance Index > 375. See details here.
- You have finished in 50 KM or higher category in any other trail event in calendar year 2026.
- You have completed a 75 KM or longer Stadium Run in calendar year 2026.
Registrations (Aug. 1 - Nov. 1, 2026)
Our registrations are online on this site from 8:00 AM IST, August 1 until 12:00 midnight on November 1, 2026 or until we hit the max registration limit in each category, whichever is first. Registration fees for 2026 are listed below and are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.
If you want to hold a registration spot, you can register first and submit your proof of eligibility by November 7th.
Please note that we do not allow on-spot or late registrations.
| Category | Fee (INR) | Fee (USD) | Max. Entries |
| 30 KM | 3000 | 32 | 400 |
| 50 KM (Day) | 4000 | 42 | 400 |
| 50 KM (Night) | 4000 | 42 | 100 |
| 100 KM | 5000 | 52 | No Limit |
Key Dates
All dates and times below are IST (GMT+5.5 hours)
Online Registrations Open: August 1, 8:00 AM
Online Briefing: October 17, 11:00 AM
Registered participants will receive an invitation via email. Details on this briefing will also be published on our social media handles. We recommend all first time particpants of our event to attend.
Registrations Close: November 1, 12:00 Midnight
Qualification Deadline: November 7
Bib Pickup: November 27
Event Date: November 28
Results Published: December 3
Event Photos: December 26
Finisher Medals & Timing
Our official results will be published within 3-4 days after our event on the site of our Timing Partner MyRace Timing Solutions.
Finisher certificates can be downloaded from the MyRace web site.
Results will also be published to ITRA and UTMB web sites by December 10th.
All Finishers will get a Finisher Medal after their race.
Please note that our results take additional time since our event location is out of network and we compute our results after we return back to the city. There is a delay of 3-4 days because our team stays back to clean up the course.
Event Photos
Our team of volunteers will do their best to take photographs of all runners at a few designated locations along the course. These photographs will be published online and available at no cost to runners.
Please note that it takes a minimum of 3 weeks for these photos to be published since our volunteers have to manage their day jobs and work after-hours and weekends to get the photos tagged and organised.
Event Day
We recommend that runners arrive for our event on Friday, November 27th. This will allow you to get adequate rest for an early morning start on the next day.
This is your opportunity to experience a carnival atmosphere with over 1000 runners congregating on the small town of Mallanduru!
Bib Collection
To avoid congestion on race day, we request participants to collect their bib on 27th November, 2026 (pre-race day) from The Estate Cafe (Location), Mallanduru between 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM. This is a convenient location for most participants because it is likely to be enroute to your homestay accomodation.
Most of our volunteers will be available at this time, and this is a good opportunity clarify any doubts before your race.
Participants can also collect their bib on 28th November (event day) 90 minutes prior to their start time from the Helpdesk in the Start Area.
Bibs will be handed over only to the registered participant after ID verification and an indemnity form being signed at the venue. No authorisations for pick-ups by others are permitted.
Parking & Race Location
Parking space for the event is available in a public area at the Mallanduru Sunset Point. This is a 5 minute walk from our Start Area. You can follow on-ground signs from the parking lot to our Start Area. Please note that no vehicles are allowed in the Start Area.
Click the map below to open in Google Maps.
Parking at Mallanduru Sunset Point
Course Marking
We will use a combination of ribbons and other material to mark our course. Coloured and reflective ribbons will be always be placed on the right side of the trail to indicate the correct path. These markings are clearly visible in the beam of the headlights of our night runners.
The different colours of the ribbons have no special meaning. We use different colours to ensure that the ribbons are easy to spot, and visible to all.
Distance Markers are placed at intervals of approximately 2 Kms (see sample below). We use a colour code to mark the distances for the three categories: Green (30 KM), Blue (50 KM) and Red (100 KM). Additionally, white arrow marks and signs are also painted on some sections that have tarmac or boulders.
Note that all our signs are always on the right. If you see signs on your left, you are going in the wrong direction!
Race Schedule
The cut-off time for final finish as well as intermediate cut-offs are listed in the table below.
| Location | 30 KM | 50 KM (Day) | 50 KM (Night) | 100 KM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 KM | Start | 7:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 6:00 AM |
| 30 KM | Finish | 1:30 PM | - | - | - |
| 38 KM | AS 5 | - | 3:00 PM | 1:30 AM | - |
| 50 KM | Finish | - | 5:00 PM | 3:30 AM | 4:30 PM |
| 88 KM | AS 5 | - | - | - | 1:30 AM |
| 100 KM | Finish | - | - | - | 3:30 AM |
Medical Support
Please note that our event is in a remote region with many parts of our course being inaccessible by road. Our ability to respond to emergencies is limited. We therefore request participants to be conservative with their efforts and train well before coming to our event.
A Medical Tent is available at the Start/Finish area with facilities to attend to dehydration and minor injuries. Physio support is available in consultation with the medical doctors on duty only.
Three ambulances are deployed on race day and will be stationed at major junctions. In the event of an emergency, an ambulance will be used to transfer the patient to a hospital in Chikmagaluru. Our responsibility is limited to transporting the injured runner to the hospital as quickly and as safely as possible, as guided by the medical team on hand. Runners are responsible for their course of treatement and medical expenses at the hospital.
Toilets
A few portable toilets are available near the Start/Finish area.
Apart from these, a portable toilet is available at our Aid Stations for LADIES only.
Participants must be prepared to relieve themselves in the open otherwise!
Baggage Counter
A baggage counter is provided at the Start area. Since the same location is also our finish line, drop-bags are available upon finish.
100 KM runners can access their drop bags after completing one 50 KM loop. This will allow them to conveniently change and pick up their headlamp for the night section.
We request runners to ensure that their drop-bags are securely fastened and have Bib No. tag attached.
While we will put our best efforts, we will not take responsibility for lost or damaged items.
Weather
Weather is unpredictable in the Malnad region and forecasts can be unreliable. Live weather updates are available here for your guidance.
What to bring?
Runners must prepare for varying weather and ground conditions. While all runners have their goto items, here is a list of recommended items to carry:
- Goverment ID for Bib pickup
- Passport Copy (for international runners)
- Running Shorts/Tracks
- Running Tee/Top
- Running Shoes and Socks
- Hydration Pack/Bottle (mandatory)
- Light Jacket and Rain Jacket, especially for night runners
- Headgear: Cap/Hat/Buff/Headband
- Running Watch
- Basic First Aid and personal medicines
- Mobile Phone
- Change of clothes post-run
- Headlight/Flashlight (mandatory for 50 K Night and 100 K runners)
- Drop-Bags
- Running Gels or any other fuel
- Sunscreen, insect repellant
- Chargers and spare batteries
- A small plastic bag to carry trash and wet items. This is especially useful to store sticky gel wrappers.
Food & Hydration
Proper hydration is extremely important in ultra running, and our event is no different. Poor hydration results in unnecessary medical situations. Despite our warnings, hydration-related issues are unfortunately the #1 complaint in our medical area at the finish line.
We ask our participants to be familiar with the support available at our event and special note of the meal timings and locations.
Aid Stations
Our Aid Stations are approximately 7-9 Kms apart. Runners are required to keep a water bottle or hydration bag throughout their run. We also provide a couple of water stations that can be used to refill your bottles.
locations
| Location | KM from Start |
|---|---|
| Start | 0.0 |
| AS1 | 7.0 |
| W1 | 10.3 |
| AS2 | 17.0 |
| W2 | 21.4 |
| AS3 | 25.0 |
| AS4 (50 & 100 Km) | 30.0 |
| W3 (50 & 100 Km) | 35.2 |
| AS5 (50 & 100 Km) | 38.0 |
| AS6 (50 & 100 Km) | 44.7 |
What is Available?
Our Aid Stations carry Water, Unived Hydration, Bread, Biscuits, Sugar/Jaggery, Jam, Peanuts, Fruits and basic First Aid.
Sanitary pads are available on request.
We also provide garbage cans and sanitary waste containers at all aid stations.
Water Stations will only carry water and garbage cans.
Minimal Waste
We strive to generate minimal waste at our event. As a result, we use reusable steel cups and biodegradable plates at our dining areas and food stations. Participants must be prepared to use their hands or carry their own spoons, napkins and other support.
Participants must dispose all waste responsibly in the waste bins provided by us. We are guests within privately owned plantations and we are all collectively responsible for the region's beauty and environment.
Water Bottles are Mandatory
All participants are compulsarily required to carry minimal hudration in a water bottle or hydration pack and refill them at our aid stations. Dehydration is a serious risk for us and the #1 medical issue. Our race officials have been directed to pull out runners who do not have their own water bottles or hydration packs.
Food
We maintain a running kitchen at the Start area for the duration of the event and provide simple South Indian fare for all meals.
30 KM
Timings: 5:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Location: Start Area
Khara Pongal (savory), Avalakki (Poha), Tomato & Cucumber Sandwich, Cheese slices, Boiled Eggs, Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Aid Station 3 (25 Kms)
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Banana
Timings: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: Finish (30 Kms)
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Boiled Eggs, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Mysore Pak (sweet), Banana, Tea/Coffee
50 KM (Day)
Timings: 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Location: Start Area
Khara Pongal (savory), Avalakki (Poha), Tomato & Cucumber Sandwich, Cheese slices, Boiled Eggs, Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Aid Station 3 (25 Kms)
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Banana
Timings: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Finish (50 Kms)
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Boiled Eggs, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Mysore Pak (sweet), Banana, Tea/Coffee
50 KM (Night)
Timings: 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Start Area
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Boiled Eggs, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Mysore Pak (sweet), Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Aid Station 3 (25 Kms)
Veg Pulao, Curd Rice, Hot Rasam or Soup, Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 9:30 PM - 4:00 AM
Location: Finish (50 Kms)
Veg Pulao, Curd Rice, Hot Rasam or Soup, White Rice, Sambhar, Boiled Eggs, Mysore Pak, Tea/Coffee
100 KM
Timings: 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM
Location: Start Area
Khara Pongal (savory), Avalakki (Poha), Tomato & Cucumber Sandwich, Cheese slices, Boiled Eggs, Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Aid Station 3 (25 Kms)
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Banana
Timings: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: Finish Area (50 Kms)
Bise Bhele Bhath, Curd Rice, Boiled Eggs, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Mysore Pak (sweet), Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Aid Station 3 (75 Kms)
Veg Pulao, Curd Rice, Hot Rasam or Soup, Banana, Tea/Coffee
Timings: 7:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Location: Finish (100 Kms)
Veg Pulao, Curd Rice, Hot Rasam or Soup, White Rice, Sambhar, Boiled Eggs, Mysore Pak, Tea/Coffee
Safety
Your safety is our first concern and we request you to read all the information provided here and in other parts of this Race Guide before coming to our event. The Malnad Ultra is held in rough terrain and the course passes through areas that are very close to wildlife reserves. We share this area with porcupines, hares, mongoose, Giant Malabar Squirrel, Barking Deer, Chitals, Gaur, Wild Boar, Sloth Bears, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards and a variety of snakes, birds and other creatures. Because of the volume of traffic during the run, it is very unlikely that runners will encounter any threats due to wildlife. However , it is best to be prepared. After all, we share this habitat with them.
Dos and Don'ts
| DOs | DON'Ts |
| Follow our course markers and do not rely on your GPX map and watch only | In the event of any confusion, do not blindly follow GPX map. If you do not see any course markers after a few hundred metres, make your way back to the last marker that you can find and follow the course marking. |
| Be aware of where you are on the course and make a mental note of the KM and approximate distance to the next aid station. Be more attentive to signs when you approach a junction of any kind. | Do not take your Bib off at any time during the event, If you take your bib off, it indicates that you have dropped out |
| Observe your surroundings and keep your ears and eyes open | Avoid headsets and music |
| In the unlikely event that you are bitten by an insect or a snake, remain calm and try to identify it. | Do not tread into areas where there is thick brush, thorns or leaves. You might step on a scorpion or worse, a snake |
| Pay attention to the instructions provided by the volunteers. This is a complex event and there are likely to be instructions provided on the course to runners in realtime | Please don’t argue with other runners, guests and officials. Remain calm. We are all here to have a good time and we are doing the best that we can |
| Please hold on to your trash and dispose them off at the next Aid Station or Rest Area. | Please do not dispose off any trash on the course or throw any garbage into the estates or forest areas. This is an extremely eco-sensitive zone. |
| Be aware of the intermediate Checkpoint requirements and plan conservatively to meet them. If you miss these, you will get a DNF | Do not approach or tease wildlife regardless of their size |
| 100K runners must pick up their headlights at the 50K mark. 50K Night-Runners must have their headlights before they start. | Do not depend on directions provided by locals and villagers. They may guide you via a shortcut because they are not familiar with our course. Our official volunteers can be identified by their event T-shirt. |
| Be sure to pay attention to the course signs. Our volunteers will also guide you at a few confusing junctions. | Avoid making noise by talking loudly or shouting out to other runners. Do not play music without personal headset |
Self Help
Respect the course and the terrain. Do not extend yourself beyond your capability. It is easy to get carried away by other runners going much faster than you. Stay at your pace of comfort. If you are in pain or not feeling good, stop at the next Aid Station and evaluate your progress. If you have a situation where you cannot continue, please put your ego aside and pull yourself out of the race.
Pulling Out
If you are pulling out of the event, please do so at one of our Aid Stations. You can be safe and comfortable there until you get picked up by our vehicle. Remember to take your Bib off and inform our Run Officials in the Race Area that you are pulling out. This will allow us to account for you in our tracking system.
Mobile Phone
If possible, carry your mobile phone with you. Even though phone networks are weak, there is a good chance that you can make a phone call or send out an SMS in an emergency.
Emergencies
Stay Calm! Evaluate your situation and think calmly for a few minutes before figuring out your best course of action. If you have a mobile and network access, try calling the Emergency Contacts whose information we will provide prior to the race. We will provide whistles (night-runners only) in your goodie bag for you to carry on your run. Please use these only in an emergency. If you have an injury and cannot move, try to flag down other runners and inform them of your situation. They will alert the next volunteer they see. Make yourself comfortable and wait for the crew to come and help you. If you are by yourself, try and attract attention by blowing the whistle from time to time.
Vehicular Movement
Many areas of our course are inaccessible to vehicles. We will restrict our vehicular movement to ensure that runners are not interrupted as much as possible. We also want our runners to experience the mind-body connection with nature and therefore will not move vehicles without reason.
Ambulances & Medical Support
Our Medical Crew will be mostly stationary at major stations. Because of the terrain, it is not possible to provide mobile medical crews. Our ambulances will also be stationed at strategic locations. We therefore request you to make your way to an Aid Station if possible so that we can provide assistance quicker.
Night Running
Without exception, all runners must wear personal headlights or carry flashlights while running at night. Runners must organise their own headlights and must carry them after 4:30 PM. This means all 100 KM runners must carry their light on the 2nd loop and the 50 KM (Night) runners must start with their headlights with them.
We will not allow runners to share lights or use their mobile phone as substitutes.
Streams & Water Crossings
You will encounter a few streams and water bodies along the course. Please avoid drinking from these sources even though they look inviting.
Water Bottles
We require all runners to carry a water bottle or hydration packs on them throughout the run. Please ensure that you replenish your bottle at every aid station.
Dehydration is the #1 medical issue at our event because runners are not mindful of their intake.
Snakes & Leeches
There are a variety of snakes in the Western Ghats, many of which are non-venomous. There is however, a risk of encountering a venomous snake.
Snakes can sense vibration on the ground and it is very unlikely that you will see any snakes as a result of all the runners on the course. Keep your eyes open and on the ground as much as possible to avoid stepping on a snake inadvertently. Be more attentive during the night and ensure that you are wearing your headlights. If you do happen to spot a snake, remain calm and allow it to pass. Do not throw stones or try to harm it in any other manner.
If you are bitten by a snake, follow these steps:
- Remain calm and avoid movement as it can cause venom to travel quicker through your body
- Note the time of the bite if you can
- Alert a fellow runner or volunteer and we will organise medical assistance as quickly as possible
- Try and identify the snake because treatment varies. If possible, take a picture on your mobile phone without adding risk
- Look for a wound, typically with two puncture marks
- Look for swelling or redness around the wound
- Gauge the pain near the wound, symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, nausea, profuse sweating, numbness or blurred vision
- Wait for assistance and stay as still as possible. Avoid unnecessary movement.
Avoid the following common mythis:
- Do not use a tourniquet
- Do not cut into the area or put a cold compress on the wound
- Do not attempt to suck the venom with your mouth
Leeches
Leeches are very common in wet conditions and you can expect plenty of them on our course. The information below will help you cope with these as much as possible. It is possible that the monsoon would have faded by the time we flag-off the event and the threat of leeches has reduced considerably. However, weather and leeches are beyond our control. It is best to avoid wet areas as much as you can.
If you are really concerned about leeches, consider wearing leech socks. These socks are tightly woven and do not allow leeches to get through. They are probably the most effective way to protect yourself against leeches. However, do remember that leeches can get onto other areas of your body from branches and leaves. So protecting your feet and shoes might not be enough. Also, the leech socks might give you blisters while you run.
To avoid leeches, you can spray DEET (mosquito repellant) on your socks and shoes. You can also smear local snuff (tobacco) powder or a mixture of Dettol and Coconut Oil on your shoes and lower legs to avoid leeches. We recommend that you reapply these repellents frequently throughout your run.
Regularly inspect your shoes and lower legs for leeches. If you spot a leech, do not pull it off by force. Anticoagulants left behind may cause bleeding for a while. You can get rid of it by applying salt or tobacco powder. You can wait until the next aid station to get salt. There is no cause for worry even if you are bitten by a leech. They are no more harmful than a mosquito bite even though a leech bite can look ugly and can be itchy for days.
Rules
We want the Malnad Ultra to be a safe and fun experience for everybody and request all participants to be patient and sensitive to other runners, volunteers and race officials. These rules are for your safety. The Race Director's decision will be final in any situation for our event.
Registration & Cancellations
Your registration and fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. We are a not-for-profit event and are barely able to sustain costs for this event. Over 60% of our expenses are committed as advance to vendors on the day we announce registration! We will not refund registration fees, allow it to be transferred to other runners or move your registration to a future event of ours under any circumstances. In the event that you have registered and cannot make the event, think about it as a donation to a good cause – promoting trail running!
The only exception to our policy on cancellations and transfers is to allow pregnancy deferrals for upto two years.
Upgrades & Downgrades
We will allow category changes until our registrations close on November 1st. You can drop us an email with a request.
Participants will have to pay the difference in fees for an upgrade and the meet the qualification criteria. We will not refund the differential amount for downgrades.
Race Format
The Malnad Ultra is a continuous race. Once the race has started, the clock keeps running regardless of whether the runner is on the course or has taken a break. The official timing is displayed near the Start (also the Finish) line. We recommend that you sync your running watch to this time prior to the start.
Cut-Offs
All participants must be aware of the cut-off times for their event. Apart from the Start/Finish line, timing is also recorded at random points on the course. Specifically, the participant must note the intermediate cut-off times. If a participant misses a cut-off, it will result in a Did-Not-Finish (DNF), even if they reach the finish line within the overall cut-off time.
Participants who have missed intermediate cut-offs will not be allowed to continue on the course. Our sweeper vehicles will collect such participants and bring them to the finish line.
Finishes
A runner who has met all of the following requirements will be deemed a Finisher and will get an Official Timing Certificate and Finisher Medal:
- Started the Race, wearing an Official Bib in the front so that it is visible at all times to officials
- Passed all the Aid Stations on the Course
- Passed over all the Timing Mats at published and random locations on the Course
- Met all the Intermediate Cut-Off times published for their registered category
- Met the Final Cut-Off time, (as per official chip-time) published in their registered category
- Did not travel in an ambulance or any other vehicle during the race for any duration
- Wore their Bib so that it is visible from the front at all times
Did-Not-Finish
A runner who did not meet any one of the requirements for a Finish listed above will be deemed a Did-Not-Finish (DNF). Such runners will not be given an official timing certificate or finisher buckle.
Please note that runners must complete their registered category. This means that a runner registered for the 100 Km category will not be deemed a 50K Finisher if they complete 50 Km within the cut-off time.
Did-Not-Start
A registered participant who did not start the race within 15 minutes of the start time will also be deemed a DNS. DNS will not be reported to ITRA (official results).
Pulling Out
A runner can pull out of the race voluntarily, but, must do so at an Aid Station unless they cannot do so due to an injury. They must remain there until an authorised Race Vehicle picks them up. Additionally, a runner may be asked to pull out by a member of the Medical Team or a Race Official. We request runners to respect these decisions because they are for your safety.
Personal Crew
All runners will be supported by volunteers and officials provided by us. No personal crew or pacers are permitted. If you want to organise personal crew or pacers for yourself, please have them register for the event as runners and then they are welcome to perform the role of personal crew or pacers for you.
Dress Code
All runners must be dressed in appropriate shorts, singlets, T-shirts etc. Nudity or partial nudity could hurt the sensitivity of other runners and could result in disqualification.
Headlights
Individual headlights (or suitable hand-held flashlight) are mandatory for runners running in the dark. This rule applies to the 100K and 50K (Night) runners only since the 30K and 50K (Day) runners will finish in daylight. Runners are requested to ensure that they have sufficient batteries on them for the headlights. Runners can use the drop bags provided to plan for headlights, batteries etc. A runner not wearing a headlight in the dark will be pulled out of the race and awarded a DNF. Mobile phones will not be permitted as a substitute to a Headlight or Flashlight, nor will a group of runners be allowed to share lights.
Health Checks
A member of our Medical team may request a runner to submit for a medical check at any point during the run. Based on the evaluation of the medical staff, a runner may be allowed to continue or will be pulled out of the run. Runners are requested to accept their decision.
Substance Abuse
Runners who use drugs, narcotics or other banned substances as determined by the medical staff will be disqualified and awarded a DNF. Liquor is not permitted on the course or at the Start/Finish area.
Zero Tolerance Policy
We want our participants to enjoy the Malnad Ultra experience. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of harassment towards any fellow participant or volunteer. Complaints related to harassment will be dealt with immediately and will result in disqualification and formal charges with local police authorities.
Any runner who is found disposing trash on the course will be disqualified. Runners are responsible for proper trash disposal at our aid stations.
Non-Indian Citizens
All non-Indian citizens will have to provide a photocopy of the front, back and Indian visa pages of their passport showing their photo identity and details of passport prior to receiving their bib. This is a security requirement from local authorities.
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