OOTYULTRA 2026

9th Edition Ultramarathon in the Nilgiris

OOTYULTRA is a celebrated ultramarathon road running event organised by KaysFIT Academy and led by Race Director Coach Kay (Kannan Sundararajan). It has grown from a small training run into a major endurance spectacle that draws runners from across India and beyond to challenge themselves on the up-and-down mountainous roads of Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Tamil Nadu — celebrated for steep gradients, tea-garden vistas and scenic Nilgiri landscapes.

The event champions the spirit of the #ultramalaivasi running community — a blend of endurance, camaraderie and love for mountain running.

Event Details

• Event: OOTYULTRA 2026 (9th Edition)
• Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
• Location: Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India
• Organiser: KaysFIT Academy (Coach Kay) — founder and race director.

Race Distances & Categories

OOTYULTRA offers a range of distances to suit runners from intermediate to ultra-seasoned levels:

15 km Road Run

A scenic challenging run with hill climbs starting ~6 km, progressing up to Dodabetta Peak — one of South India’s highest viewpoints.

30 km Ultramarathon

Mountain road course with non-repeating sections (~25 km) and climbs to panoramic views of the Nilgiris Blue Mountains.

50 km Ultramarathon (New distance in 2026)

Introduced to bridge the gap between 30 km and longer ultras, ideal for stepping up from shorter distances or scaling down from 60 km.

60 km Ultramarathon

A classic OOTYULTRA challenge covering more demanding mountain roads and scenic ascents.

75 km Ultramarathon (Newer category)

A further step up in ultra distance, perfect for experienced mountain ultrarunners.

90 km Ultramarathon (Application/Invitation)

An invitation-based category for highly experienced ultrarunners with qualifying results. Entry is by application and qualification and intended for runners with strong endurance histories.

Course & Terrain

• Terrain: Primarily mountain roads in and around Ooty — rolling climbs, forested stretches and steep up/downs.
• Elevation: Substantial elevation gain and loss across distances, creating both challenge and spectacle.
• Views: Runners often reach Dodabetta Peak where they enjoy dramatic views of blue mountains, valleys, Ooty town and lake on clear days.
• Support: Aid stations every few kilometres, attentive medical & recovery support, and a sunny yet cool hill-climate.

Start and finish points, expo venue and logistics are usually centred in Ooty town with convenient access for participants and supporters.

Experience & Community

• Personalised Finisher Medals: Each runner receives a laser-cut medal personalised with their name and distance (depending on registration timing).
• Community Spirit: The hashtag #ultramalaivasi (meaning mountain ultrarunner) emphasises inclusion, mutual support and the shared journey of endurance running.
• Sustainability & Impact: Portions of entry proceeds support local community projects, including building play parks in the Nilgiris.
• Expo & Pre-Race Briefing: The race weekend includes an expo, bib collection and briefing to foster camaraderie and prepare runners.

**Disclaimer: While we aim to provide accurate, timely event information, all details, including date, venue, category, and race logistics, are subject to change by the official organizers. Please verify the latest information through the official event channels before registering or participating.