PANIKOT By CapitalTrails

PANIKOT By CapitalTrails is one of a 4-part series, which is India’s first and only 100% navigation-led self-supported trail running races. Held annually to celebrate the true spirit of trail running, PANIKOT immerses runners into the wild trails around Damdama and Panikot lakes near Gurugram in NCR. This minimalist trail racing experience tests both trail running skill and self-sufficiency, requiring participants to navigate using .gpx files on a completely unmarked course while carrying their own supplies.

Event Overview

• Event Name: PANIKOT By CapitalTrails
• Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
• Time: 6:30 AM – 11:30 AM IST
• Location: Saras Damdama Lake Resort, Damdama, Sohna, Gurugram, Haryana 122102, India
• Organiser: CapitalTrails India – a community-driven outdoor and trail running group promoting sustainable minimalist racing.

‍Race Categories & Distances

PANIKOT 2026 offers two main trail race options:

11K Short

• Distance: 11 km
• Elevation Gain / Loss: ~140 m A/D+
• Cut-off: 3 hrs
• Ideal for trail newcomers or runners seeking a shorter, fast jungle trail experience in the forests of Damdama.

‍23K Long

• Distance: 23 km
• Elevation Gain / Loss: ~567 m A/D+
• Cut-off: 5 hrs
•  Speed challenge through sun-kissed forests, sandy and rocky climbs, and thorny trails, with rewarding views of the majestic Panikot Lake.

️ Trail Format & Navigation

CapitalTrails Race Series events like PANIKOT emphasize outdoor navigation skills and self-reliance:

✔ Self-Supported: Participants carry their own water, food, navigation and gear – no external aid stations or race support.
✔ Navigation-led: Runners receive a .GPX course file to load on their device for navigation.
✔ Responsible Trail Experience: Category caps are typically small (e.g., ~30 participants) to protect trails and natural surroundings.
✔ Age & Gender Normalisation: Results are adjusted for age and gender to give equal opportunity for recognition.

This format appeals to trail purists, GPS navigators, hikers and runners wanting a true wilderness challenge without any en-route support or markings.

What Runners Receive

Typical inclusions for registered runners in PANIKOT:

• Digital finisher and participation certificates
• Plants instead of medals or goodies
• Community-style local trail running memories

Note: As the race is self-supported, there are no traditional aid stations or race water supplies – runners must carry their own hydration and nutrition.

Why PANIKOT Stands Out

• Minimalist Trail Race: Designed for self-sufficiency and navigation skills.
• Natural Trails & Lakes: Routes run through the forests and lake edges of the Damdama-Panikot region.
• Navigation-First: Runners use GPX and GPS-based apps to stay on course.
• Equal Opportunity Results: Results normalised for age and gender.
• Sustainable & Community-Driven: Focus on low impact and trail stewardship.