Run the Rann: India’s most spectacular footrace this February in Gujarat

Gandhinagar, DeshGujarat

Second edition of India’s Most Spectacular Footrace, ‘Run the Rann’, which is also India’s first ever desert ultra trail running event will be organized at Dholavira, Greater Rann of Kutch in Gujarat during 6-9 February.

The race is supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Gujarat and Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited. This is an international sporting event wherein a total of over 150 national & international athletes including journalists and sports enthusiasts will participate.

Nestled in Khadir Bet, a beautiful island in Kutch, the historic city of Dholavira is an archeological gold mine whose mysteries and folklore are just as intriguing as its majestic ruins. Considered to be the 6th Civilization, Dholavira is older than the Egyptian pyramids and displays remnants of highly sophisticated urban culture that was way ahead of its time. Coupled with a vast landscape full of natural obstacles, Dholavira in true sense is an apt location for this one-of-a-kind adventure sport event of the country.

Gujarat government believes that Dholavira is one location where sports tourism and eco-tourism can be promoted by organizing endurance sports events like Run the Rann.

Run the Rann is an ultra trail footrace. The First edition of Run the Rann had 3 races 21k, 42k and 101k and with the second edition a new race of 161k (100 miles) has been introduced. This segment will cover the entire Khadir Bet Island. 101k and 161k would be GPS navigated races so there will not be any route markers on these routes. Runners will have to rely purely on their instincts, experience and technology to make it to the finish line.

Participants would include a mix of amateur and professional runners; both from India and across various countries worldwide. A number of elite trail runners from around the world have already registered to participate in the various segments of the race.

Also participating will be members from Indian military and paramilitary forces like BSF (Border Security Force), the Indian Air force and National Security Guard.

‘Run The Rann’ in its first edition has grabbed the attention of various international publications/blogs including Runners World-Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Mexico, Germany and Italy, Runners Magazine- Greece, Running Monkey- a UK based website dedicated to running, The Edge – the biggest national newspaper of Australia, Ultra Running magazines – US, irunfar.com – US, Esprit Trail magazine from France etc. Some of them are visiting the Great Rann of Kutch to cover this event.

The event’s Race Director is Gaël Couturier, originally from France an experienced ultra trail runner an Ironman athlete.

The event is organized by Uphill EMG and Co-organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). They have also received support from multiple corporate houses including Garmin, Raid Light, Running Monkey, Rite-bite, Decathlon, Young Indians, Ahmedabad Distance Runners Association, who all have come together to make this a successful event.

Some of the pictures from year 2014 event

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