Bir Running Festival 2026
May 23 - May 24
Himalayan Running Celebration!
The Bir Running Festival 2026 is an annual running event in Bir–Billing, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India, organised under the The Hell Race series — a respected endurance and trail running event brand active across India. This festival merges scenic road running with iconic mountain trail challenge formats, set amidst one of the most scenic running destinations in the Indian Himalayas.
Event Details
- Event: Bir Running Festival 2026
- Date: 23rd – 24th May 2026
- Location: Bir–Billing, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Organiser: The Hell Race — known for creating destination races like the Great Himalayan Running Festival and other Himalayan ultra challenges.
**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.
Race Categories
The Bir Running Festival brings together two primary running experiences:
– Dhauladhar Ultra – 24 MAY 2026
This year, we are introducing a new chapter: Dhauladhar Ultra (60K Road Run), inspired by our original mountain biking route.
The same terrain. The same brutal climbs. Only now, it’s earned on foot.
Distance: 60 KM
Elevation Gain: 1981m
Max Altitude: 2759m
Cutoff Time: 10 hrs
Intermediate Cut Off: 27.5 km in 5 Hours 30 minutes
Route:
Paragliding Landing Site –Sansal – Mander – Bir –Billing – Chaina Pass – Rajgunda –Bara Gran – Barot
– BIR BILLING HALF MARATHON – 24 MAY 2026
Twisting through oak-lined roads, ancient monasteries, and the undulating curves of the Himalayas, this isn’t just a run—it’s a statement. A road race that’ll test your endurance, your willpower, and whether your legs can keep up with your ego.
Distance: 21.1 KM | 11 KM
Elevation Gain: 670m | 210m
Max Altitude: 1575m | 1475m
Cutoff Time: 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs
Route:
Paragliding Landing Site – Sherabling Monastery – Bhattu Monastery – Sahel – Sansal – Mander – Ghornala – Paragliding Landing Site
– HANUMANGARH EPIC – 23 MAY 2026
The name says it all. A 9KM vertical climb to the Hanumangarh Peak, followed by a knee-smashing descent back to the finish line. With 2180 meters of elevation gain, this is The Hell Race in its purest, rawest, most unhinged form. This is your chance to run up to the sky—if your lungs and quads don’t betray you first.
Trail? More like an uphill warzone.
Distance: 19 KM
Elevation Gain: 2180m
Max Altitude: 3080m
Cutoff Time: 6 hrs
Intermediate Cut Off: 7 km in 3 Hours
Route: Paragliding Landing Site – Hanumangarh Peak – Paragliding Landing Site
Terrain & Course Experience
Bir–Billing Region:
- Positioned in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas
- Known for paragliding terrain, lush oak/deodar forests and scenic hill lines
- Road portions offer gentle climbs and descents ideal for road racing
- Trail portions include steep single tracks, technical ascents, and panoramic ridge runs
Half Marathon: Mostly road and jeep-track segments with gentle hills.
Hanumangarh Epic: Classic mountain trail with significant vertical gain and descent.
Who Should Participate
- Road runners seeking a picturesque half-marathon destination experience
- Trail runners looking for a challenging hill-run with serious vertical gain
- Adventure athletes who enjoy running in mountain environments
- Fitness & endurance enthusiasts who want a festival atmosphere
- Runners building mountain or ultra experience for future events
