~ The first ever Malnad Ultra combines freshness of Malnad and fitness of its people, young and old ~
~ Set across the scenic slopes of Malnad, this one of a kind trail run is set to fetch 300 runners, those who complete the marathon earn points to qualify for UTMB 2016 ~
Bangalore, June 22, 2016: Marathoners, adventurers and nature lovers, it is time to head to the picturesque hills of Malnad, Karnataka for the first ever Malnad Ultramarathon hosted by GIREM (Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management) in association with Coffee Day. The much awaited ultra marathon to be held on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 2016 comprises of three categories, a 50 KM, 80 KM and 110 KM run.
The Malnad Ultra is mostly a trail run through some of the most enchanting and exciting terrain of the Western Ghats. Set around the coffee plantations south-east of the magnificent Bhadra Reservoir, it is designed to provide the next-level experience for marathoners who are bored of the usual city runs and want to graduate to the next level. The course is laid out in quaint and scenic coffee plantations at an elevation of 3000 to 4500 feet.
The Malnad Ultra has been accepted as a Qualifier for the coveted single-stage mountain ultramarathon - Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Finishers will be awarded 3 points for the 50 KM, 4 points for 80 KM and 5 points for the 110 KM. Malnad Ultra is a Member of the International Trail Training Association (ITRA).
The culture and mind set of an Ultra marathon has been embraced by Coffee Day 20 years ago, Coffee Day brought in a whole new and youthful coffee culture in to India with its Café Coffee Day (CCD) outlets. It envisioned the unthinkable then and persevered to be the pioneer of the hangout culture and café wave that engulfed India in years to come. Backed with determination and innovation at every step, the most challenging win for CCD was to break through the mindset of conventional Indian consumers for whom coffee meant a beverage popular down south or served with limited appeal in 5 star hotels. Today, CCD is present in the most buzzing neighbourhoods as the most preferred café for youth across India with over 1600 stores. And one thing that made it possible is the café pioneer’s perseverance.
For a marathoner too, every race is a milestone that tests and builds a runner’s endurance. The willingness to tirelessly pursue and never-say-never makes all the difference. One who perseveres, wins and CCD’s story serves as an inspiring example.
“Marathons are burgeoning across the country and long-distance running is the fastest growing sport in India. Most marathons are promoting a running culture where timing and personal bests are the primary focus. Ultra-marathons are about endurance and longevity. “The Malnad Ultra will allow runners to challenge and connect with themselves. It is about finishing, not timing”, said Anand Adkoli, Race Director. “The Malnad Ultra will provide a unique experience for the participants. Runners will feel close to Mother Earth. Ultimately, it is important to connect with nature for good living,” he added.
V. G. Siddhartha, Chairman, Coffee Day said,”We are very excited to join hands with GIREM in hosting the historic edition of the Malnad Ultra Marathon. Being a youth brand, it is a great opportunity for us to get the youth of the nation to sweat it out to good health and participate in the ultramarathon. Running amidst our Coffee trail in the estates that we have nurtured over the years is a matter of great pride. It also builds courage to endure, push our boundaries and make wellness a priority. Coffee Day wishes the young and energetic marathoners a memorable experience at Malnad.”
Details:
- Participants limited to 300 only for 2016 edition.
- Last date to register: September 05, 2016
- Registrations and details available at www.malnadultra.com
Marathoners, runners and adventurer cum nature-lovers, pull your bootstraps, block your spot and save the date. See you in the fragrant hills of Malnad this October!
About Malnad
The name Malnad in Kannada literally translates to Male-naadu, the land of the rain. Some locals also say that it is derived from another meaning of Male, which is hills. It is the home of the Western Ghats (also known as the Sahyadris). It is a region known for its bio-diversity, endless greenery and some of the most picturesque spots in India. A cursory search on the Internet will provide you with a glimpse of its beauty. The region is known for its Coffee. Thousands of coffee plantations, big and small, can be found in the region. Mullyanagiri, at over 6000' is the highest peak in Karnataka. Kemmanagundi, is a popular hill station in the area.
About Café Coffee Day (CCD):
CCD is India's largest café chain in terms of number of café outlets as of December 31, 2014 (source: Indian Coffee Industry Overview, March 2015, Technopak (“Technopak, March 2015”)) and operates through Coffee Day Global Limited (“CDGL”), a subsidiary of Coffee Day Enterprises Limited. CCD has pioneered the coffee culture in the chained café segment in India (source: Technopak, March 2015) and opened its first café in Bengaluru in 1996. CCD’s menu ranges from a mix of hot and cold coffees and include several food options, desserts and pastries. In addition, CCD brand merchandise and accessories such as coffee mugs, coffee machines, travel mugs, etc. are available at the cafés.
About GIREM
GIREM is not for profit organisation working with the focus on providing eco-socio infrastructure for businesses to operate and flourish, citizens well being, improved quality and way of life.