Sinhagad Epic Trail

Historic Mountain Trail Runs in the Sahyadris

The Sinhagad Epic Trail (SET) is a prestigious monsoon-season trail running event organised by the Western Ghats Running Foundation (WGRF) at the foothills of the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune, Maharashtra. Set amidst lush, misty hills and rugged paths of the Sahyadri ranges, SET combines heritage, adventure and trail running culture in a race that has drawn hundreds of runners from across India and abroad.

Held annually on the last Saturday of June, the event challenges participants on varied, technical mountain trails around the fort — a territory known for its strategic history and natural beauty.

Event Date & Location

• Date: 27 June 2026
• Start Time: From 06:00 AM onwards
• Venue: Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Organiser: Western Ghats Running Foundation

Race Categories & Distances (2025 Edition)

SET 2025 included multiple distances accommodating a mix of trail enthusiasts and seasoned runners. The same categories are likely to return in 2026:

11 km Trail

• Distance: ~11 km (+790 m elevation)
• Cut-off Time: ~3 hrs 30 min
• Ideal For: Beginners & local trail runners seeking monsoon mountain experience.

21 km Trail

• Distance: ~21 km (+1,220 m elevation)
• Cut-off Time: ~6 hrs
• ITRA Points: 1
• Ideal For: Intermediate trail runners building toward longer distances.

30 km Trail

• Distance: ~30 km (+1,560 m elevation)
• Cut-off Time: ~9 hrs
• UTMB/ITRA Points: 2
• Ideal For: Long-distance trail runners seeking a hard challenge.

42 km Trail

• Distance: ~42 km (+2,190–2,510 m elevation)
• Cut-off Time: ~11–12 hrs
• UTMB/ITRA Points: 2
• Ideal For: Ultra endurance athletes and experienced trail runners.

️ Terrain & Route Highlights

The trail runs through the Sahyadri mountain ghera (valleys) around Sinhagad Fort, known locally for monsoon fog, mist and lush greenery. Runners experience:

• Technical single track trails
• Steep ascents & descents
• Forested patches, rocky outcrops and foothills
• Historic routes once used for battles and fort logistics
• Scenic views of valleys and ridgelines around Sinhagad Fort

What Participants Get

• Official trail running T-shirt
• Timing bib & chip for timed distances
• Finisher Medal (for runners within cut-off)
• Timing Certificate
• ITRA & UTMB points for eligible finishers
• Hydration & Aid Stations along route
• Medical support & mountain rescue teams
• Post-race refreshments & snacks

Why Run Sinhagad Epic Trail

• Historic & Scenic Trails: Run across terrain steeped in Maratha history and surrounded by Sahyadri beauty.
• Monsoon Trail Experience: A refreshing yet demanding trail atmosphere unique to India’s rainy season.
• Multiple Distances: From 11 km to 42 km, SET offers options for beginners to ultra runners.
• ITRA/UTMB Recognition: Earn official trail running points (for longer distances).
• Strong Trail Community: Organized by a passionate group dedicated to sustainable mountain running.

Who Should Participate

• Trail runners looking for scenic, monsoon mountain challenges
• Runners transitioning from road to trail events
• Ultra enthusiasts seeking elevation and endurance tests
• Adventure runners and outdoor fitness enthusiasts
• Local runners from Pune, Mumbai, Goa and South India looking for big trail fun

RULES & REGULATIONS 

1. All participants must abide by the rules and regulations of Sinhagad Epic Trail. The Race Director’s and other associates of WGRF’s decision is final in any case.
2. All participants must have completed 18 years of age on or before 27/06/2026.
3. Eligibility criteria: to participate in 21Km or 30km, you must have completed at least 1 half marathon race on or before 10 June 2026. To participate in 42Km, you must have completed at least 1 full marathon or 50km+ ultra marathon race on or before 10 June 2026. For 11km anyone can participate.
4. All participants must understand and participate in Sinhagad Epic Trail at their own personal risk.
5. All participants must be physically fit and mentally able to participate in Sinhagad Epic Trail. Medical certificate must be available with all participants,
6. You release and waive WGRF, their volunteers, and partners from liability for all losses, damages, injury, claims, demands, expenses, and any other liability, physical, psychological, or otherwise, directly or indirectly arising out of your participation in Sinhagad Epic Trail.
7. You will be present at the pre-race briefing meet where you will be collecting your marathon bib on time. Marathon bib will strictly not be provided any time after the meet.
8. While collecting your bib and number, you will produce a photo identity proof like Aadhar card/ passport and your receipt of registration at the bib collection counter for verification purpose.
9. Individual numbered bibs will be provided to each and every participant, which should be worn and visible in the front part of every runners body. Do not hide your bib numbers with clothing.
10. On race day all participants must arrive and report at the venue 1 hour prior to the start of Sinhagad Epic Trail.
11. All participants must possess all the necessary gear for mountain and trail running with them during the marathon. The compulsory items include mobile phone with our helpline number saved, trail running shoes and socks, choice of running apparel, bandana (buff), gloves, wind proof/ rain jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, minimum 1 litre of water, electrolyte powder or tablet, headlamp, also trekking poles (if necessary), 1 or 2 fruits, energy bar/gels.
12. You must be aware that the property you will be running on is the property of Maharashtra State Forest Department, Maharashtra State Archeology Department, Maharashtra State Public Works Department, Village Gram Panchayat limits, and that you will respect the environment you are passing through at all times.
13. You will manage to deal with any difficulties that arise with you by yourself during Sinhagad Epic Trail, without outside help, with regards to climatic and geographical conditions at high altitude in challenging terrain.
14. You will manage yourself with physical and mental problems that arise during Sinhagad Epic Trail from small injuries, muscle and articular pains, fatigue, nausea, digestive problems. Be totally aware that WGRF will not be able to help you manage these problems.
15. We reiterate that during Sinhagad Epic Trail, you will be present in a very fragile eco-system, we require you to have prior mountain running training/experience to have the required presence of mind during the marathon.
16. All participants must stay on the official marked course during their run of the marathon.
17. The entire course will be well marked, ensure to keep an eye on the stewards stationed at various points who will caution you to go slow. There are points where the soil is very loose, so in order to avoid accidents it is mandatory for the runners to look before you proceed.
18. There are special check points where chains and bolting have been done, please tread carefully in this area. Maximum attention is required from runners at exposed sections inside the Sinhagad fort.
19. The course is marked on the route, summits, passes, forks, junctions, hazardous locations. Keep your eyes open for marked signs along the way.
20. The course is filled with beautiful single track trails, and breathtaking single track mountain ridges. Strictly no overtaking in these areas, watch out for no overtaking signs. We do not want you or your fellow participants to risk your safety.
21. In case of emergency or injury to you or fellow participant, contact our helpline numbers and mention your current location and type of assistance required.
22. Usage of trekking poles is optional, but if you are using them, you will have to make sure you are not getting them in fellow runner’s way, and protect them from the points of the poles.
23. Participants must not throw trash/rubbish/garbage outside of 50m radius of an aid station. There will be a penalty of 60 minutes loss in timing for throwing trash/rubbish/garbage that you possess anywhere on the marathon route.
24. There will be disqualification from the marathon if you shortcut the route by not following the signage, voluntarily or involuntarily.
25. There will be disqualification if you do not pass through compulsory check points.
26. There will be a straight disqualification from the marathon if you have caused physical harm and injury to any of the fellow participants.
27. You will give your full consent to the medical staff for providing you medical treatment during the marathon.
28. Competitors must give assistance to fellow participants who my injured or distressed. We will take into account the time spent on this assistance.
29. Any retirement (self or forced) from Sinhagad Epic Trail must take place only at a check point by informing the race officials only. If you think you cannot go any further, we strongly recommend you to take retirement, albeit sportingly, and come back stronger in the next edition, there will always be another time.
30. You agree to pay the registration fees in full at the time of registration, and understand there will not be any refund for paid amount in any circumstance.
31. You agree that there will be no transfer of registration to any other person apart from you, in any circumstance.
32. You have read the important race guidelines mentioned on our website www.wgrf.in.
33. You have read and agreed the terms and conditions before registration in SINHAGAD EPIC TRAIL 2026.

• **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.