Malnad Ultra 2024 Run Diary

Nov 30, 2024 • Pradeep Pant

Location: Malnad, Western Ghats, Southern India

Elevation: Approx. 800 m – 1500 m

Elevation gain: +1710 m

Elevation loss: -1710 m

Type of Terrain: 85% Paths / 5% Tracks / 10% Roads

Distance: 50KM Strava link

ITRA Points: 2

Date: November 23, 2024

Malnad Ultra 2024 is an ITRA-certified trail run and a UTMB Index Race. This was my second 50K trail run following the Bison Ultra 2023. Having previously run a 30K in the Malnad hills in 2022, I had some experience with the terrain. You can read my blog here.

For preparation, I stuck to my usual workout routine, which includes cycling, running, and strength training.

Stay:
Since we had a larger group this time, we chose a homestay near the road leading to the starting point. Here are some important notes about the stay:

There’s very limited mobile network (only some BSNL coverage), so it’s advisable to inform family and friends when you're near the main road or car park.
Due to the remote location and limited transport options, carry essential items like medicines, snacks, and other necessities since stepping out unexpectedly may not be feasible.
Room service is limited, so it’s best to adhere to the scheduled meal times in the common area.
The food was fantastic — home-cooked, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Areas for Improvement:

More frequent room and bathroom cleaning would enhance the experience.
An electric kettle in the rooms for tea, coffee, or warm water would be a useful addition.

Event:
The starting point felt like something out of an adventure novel- a remote location accessed via a winding, narrow forest road that was buzzing with activity even before dawn. Cars and runners filled the path, headlights slicing through the darkness. Despite the chaos, the organizers did an outstanding job of managing parking efficiently, ensuring everyone found their space. Hats off to Coach Anand and his team for handling logistics so well in such an isolated area.

We arrived at the venue around 6 a.m., greeted by the cool morning air and the faint glow of sunrise peeking through the trees. Breakfast was simple yet energizing—light enough to keep us nimble but sufficient to fuel the miles ahead.

One challenge we faced was the limited availability of toilets reserved for female runners due to the shortage. Given the dense forest setting, this was understandable—part of the rugged, unpredictable charm that comes with trail running.

The race kicked off promptly at 6:30 a.m., and we set off into the unknown. The first 2-3 kilometers felt exhilarating—a fast-paced downhill stretch that had us cruising along, soaking in the morning breeze. But this was short-lived; soon, the trail climbed steeply, testing both legs and lungs. The first hydration point appeared around this section—a welcome sight after the demanding ascent. Here, we paused to take in the view—lush green valleys bathed in morning light, mist clinging to distant peaks. Moments like this are what make trail running special.

The final stretch of the run was a downhill segment, which seemed easier on paper. However, with the sun now overhead and fatigue setting in, it was far from effortless. The well-placed hydration points and first-aid stations ensured runners stayed safe and energized throughout.

Our entire group — me, Suresh, and Mey successfully completed the 50K run, while Dr. Raju and KC tackled the 10K+ walk with equal determination.

Crossing the finish line was immensely satisfying—not just because we made it within the designated time, but because we shared the experience with runners from across India and beyond. As always, we captured plenty of memorable moments with photos and videos.

Final Thoughts:
The Malnad Ultra is truly a remarkable experience. The breathtaking scenery, challenging trails, and wonderful community of runners make it an unforgettable event. Here are some key tips for anyone planning to participate:

Try to book your accommodation close to the starting point, though options may be limited.
It’s best to run with a partner or find someone maintaining a similar pace.
Carry essentials like extra clothes, sandals, snacks, and chargers in your vehicle. Given the poor mobile network, a backup phone with a BSNL SIM can be handy.
Traveling in a group enhances the experience and adds an extra layer of safety.

This was a quick glimpse into our Malnad Ultra experience. I’m hoping to return in 2025/2026 — maybe for the 100K challenge!

Feel free to reach out at pp@pradeeppant.com or drop a comment if you’d like to share your own experiences or need tips and advice.

Happy running!

Cheers!

PS: Most of the pictures were taken by me, Suresh, and our friends. Some are from the official event photographers.

Here are some pictures from our trip (featuring I, Suresh, Mey, Dr. Raju, and KC):

Day 1: Bengaluru - Malnad

Our road trip route