About the race
Deccan Ultra tests your grit set deep within the Sahyadri mountain range near Bhandardara, Maharashtra. The event takes runners across some of the most demanding terrain in Indian trail running, featuring steep mountain ascents, rocky ridgelines, ancient forts, and technical descents.
Organized by Grand Indian Trails, the event has earned a reputation for combining long distances with relentless elevation gain. The course includes Mount Kalsubai (1,646 m), the highest peak in Maharashtra, along with sections that pass through the legendary Alang, Madan, and Kulang (AMK) forts.
Highlights of the event include:
- Run through the Sahyadris and the Deccan Plateau
- Climb Maharashtra's highest peak
- Experience the iconic AMK fort region
- Tackle technical mountain terrain
- Earn ITRA points in eligible categories
- Choose from beginner-friendly distances to challenging ultra-marathons
Who Should Participate?
Deccan Ultra is ideal for:
- Experienced trail runners
- Ultramarathon athletes
- ITRA point seekers
- Mountain runners
- Athletes preparing for longer international ultras
- Adventure enthusiasts looking for a challenging race in the Sahyadris
Event Rules
- Participants must follow the marked course.
- Race bibs must remain visible throughout the event.
- Littering is strictly prohibited.
- Participants must follow instructions from race officials and volunteers.
- Course cutting may result in disqualification.
- Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate.
- The organizer reserves the right to modify the route or schedule for safety reasons.
Cancellation policy
Applies if you cancel your own registration. If the organizer cancels the event, every paid athlete is refunded in full automatically. Cancellations and refunds are the organiser's responsibility and are processed by them. Endurace helps where it can, but cannot guarantee a refund.
The course
115K21.1 km35K3K55K80KVK
The route combines rocky mountain paths, forest trails, technical climbs, iron ladders, ridgelines overlooking the valley, and sections around the Bhandardara reservoir with significant elevation gain. The longer distances circle the Bhandardara Dam, climb multiple forts, and traverse Windmill Mountain before returning to the base camp.
Race weekend schedule
03:00 PM
Arrival at Basecamp
05:00 PM – 05:30 PM
Bib Collection & Evening Refreshments
05:30 PM – 06:30 PM
Mandatory Race Briefing & Route Introduction
07:00 PM – 08:00 PM
Pre-Race Dinner
05:30 AM – 06:15 AM
Breakfast window for morning runners
06:30 AM
80 KM, 55 KM, 35 KM & 21 KM
08:00 AM
5 KM & Vertical Kilometer (VK)
Good to know
Is Deccan Ultra suitable for beginners?
Yes. Shorter distances such as the Vertical Kilometer, 15K, and 21K provide an accessible introduction to mountain trail running.
Are there ITRA-certified categories?
Yes. Several categories are recognized by ITRA and award points to eligible finishers.
Is the terrain technical?
Yes. Participants should expect steep climbs, rocky trails, ridgelines, and ladder-assisted sections.
Is previous trail-running experience recommended?
Yes, especially for the ultra-distance categories. The organizer also specifies qualifying requirements for several longer distances.