Up for a challenge? Love to run? Well tighten your boots and start preparing for these upcoming marathons. But before you start planning, be ready to experience new levels of difficulty and danger. By Tanvi Jain
1. Tata Mumbai Marathon
One of Asia’s largest and most popular runs, the seventeenth edition of Tata Mumbai Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 19, at a starting race fee of INR 1,400. Considered to be among the top 10 marathons in the world, this INR 2.8 crore event is divided into six race categories–Full Marathon (42.195 km), Half Marathon (21.097 km), Dream Run (6.6 km), Senior Citizens Race (4.7 km), Champions with Disability category (2.1 km) and Open 10K run. Every year, the race welcomes the active participation of more than 46,000 runners including amateurs, fitness enthusiasts and even the world’s best distance runners. It happens every year on the third Sunday of January. Apart from being the biggest sport in the country, this event is also the single largest fund-raising platform for Civil Society Organisations and has benefited over 700 NGOs by raising INR 266 crore since its inception in 1988. tatamumbaimarathon.procam.in
2. 6633 Arctic Ultra
Scheduled to take place on February 27, this is considered to be the toughest, coldest and windiest marathons in the world. 6633 Arctic Ultra is a non-stop race, that covers a distance of either 193 km or 611 km. While the former finishes at First Nations Hamlet of Fort McPherson, the second one continues to the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk. The race starts from Canada’s Yukon territory and continues through the northwest territories. Despite the heavy winds, and fluctuating temperature, the panoramic view makes it worth the effort. 6633ultra.com
3. La Ultra – The High
This one staged in the cold desert of Ladakh is not only tough but dangerous as well. Traversing through the Great Himalayan Mountain Range, this 333-km race crosses three of the world’s highest mountain passes above 17,500 feet. Fifty per cent less oxygen, fluctuating temperatures that drop as low as 10 degrees to as high as 40 degrees Celsius, and extremely high altitude — difficult would be an understatement to define these challenges. And to top it all, it’s only after 90 km that you are allowed a personal crew. So if you think you can overcome these hurdles, get yourself registered for this year’s marathon to be held on August 14. laultra.in
4. Great Wall Marathon
This gateway to one of the seven wonders of the world is another difficult journey to embark upon. Soaring temperatures often beat down the runners. The race is so exhausting that even the organisers ask the participants to jog or walk instead of actually running. The race starts and finishes at Yin & Yang Square in the old Huangyaguan fortress. Since its inception in 1999, this marathon has witnessed participation of 2,500 from over 60 countries. It has three categories — A marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.1 km) and an 8.5 km Fun Run. This year it’s scheduled to take place on May 16. great-wall-marathon.com
Related: All You Need To Know To Run In A Marathon Anywhere In The World!
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