Ooty Ultra (OOTYULTRA) 2022: My First Ultra Running Experience in Ooty
Location: Ooty, Nilgiris, India
Elevation: approx 2100 mt - 2700 mt : elevation gain ~ 1000 mt
Distance: 30KM [Strava] [Certificate]
Date: 3rd April 2022
Ooty Ultra (OOTYULTRA) 2022 was my first ultra run experience, though by distance it was less than a full marathon but the level of difficulty and elevation was intense. Running in Ooty at high altitude (2100m to 2700m) is a unique experience that requires both physical and mental grit.
To prepare for it I just followed my daily workout i.e. mix of cycling and running and strength workouts.
Event- A very well organized event- lots of hydration points, first aid kiosks etc. Kudos to Coach Kay and his team for all the arrangements. Course was fully road track with excellent views. Second part of the course was more dificult because of sun. Overall a good run, we all were able to finish well within given time. Took loads of pictures :-)
Here are some pics from our trip ( I, Suresh and Mey):
Our road trip route:
Start trip full tank: The Breakfast
On the way to Ooty Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary
And the gigantic ones
Fitness Mantra: Eat before sun down :-)
Route map of run and elevation profile
Variety, quality and taste- Shopping and binging: Loved it
Runner promoting his book
Performance by tribal community at bib expo – Respect
Laid back evening in Ooty. with rounds of Nilgiris tea with our Bengaluru Run addicts friends Sri and Subbu
Dinner time: Basic and super tasty veg Korama and rice
All set for the morning
Mey getting nostalgic :-)
On the mark, get set. GO…. Bengaluru Run addicts runners
Bare-foot runners– bow down to your grit
Top of the world - At the one of the highest peak of Nilgiris - Doddabetta
Sun & elevation- when going get tough..
Here comes the leader
Majestic blue mountains Nilgiris
Say hello to my new friends
Beauty!!
Hero!
The tough gets going
My minimalitic companion: Vibram FiveFingers shoes
Yes we did it!
Medal by Race Director Coach Kay
Earned it
The tank refilled at Junior Kuppana before we say goodbye to Ooty
Our champ doesnt want to go back:-)
This was a brief of our Ooty trip ultra run. I hope to revisit in 2023.
Feel free to write in at pp@pradeeppant.com or comment here in case you wish to share your own experiences or need more info or advice.
Happy to help!
Cheers!