Malnad Ultra

The Malnad Ultra is a challenging trail run through some of the most enchanting and exciting terrain that one can imagine for a run. The origin of the name Malnad is attributed to ‘Male’ meaning Hill and ‘Nadu’ meaning Land.

A majority of the Malnad Ultra course is within privately owned coffee plantations adjacent to the Bhadra Wildlife Reserve in Karnataka – in the Western Ghats of South India. While, a short section of a remote public road is used to connect between these plantations, runners practically get a single-loop, all trail experience. The route is well-marked with signs. Runners will run 50K, 80K, or 110K, and all three events will begin at Lalbagh Estate.

In 2017, Unived Athlete Kieren D’Souza finished the 50K in first place taking 4hrs 45min to cover the distance. Sandeep Kumar, now a Unived Athlete, finished 15 minutes after Kieren in the 50K. During last year’s edition, Unived Athlete Paul Giblin travelled from Scotland to participate in the 110K distance. After getting lost and losing time early on in the race, Paul was able to make up time to take the win in 12hrs 48min.

This year, Unived Athlete Hayden Hawks has flown in from USA to run the 50K. Hayden Hawks is one of the top ultrarunners, and is considered one of the fastest ultra runners internationally. Hayden started 2018 by taking second place at the Costa Rica Coastal Challenge (a staged race). He then raced the 62K MIM race at the Trail World Championships-ITRA were he took first place and set a new course record. Later in the summer, Hayden took the win at Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K, which geared him for UTMB’s TDS, where he withdrew from the race due to an injury. Malnad will be his first race after his injury at TDS. Hayden is super excited for Malnad. Checkout his fuelling and nutrition tips for Malnad here.

Unived Athlete Sandeep Kumar will also be running the 50K for the second year in a row. Sandeep goes into the race also having a great 2018 season. Earlier this year, he retained his title of being India’s fastest runner at Comrades Marathon and was part of the India’s team at the IAU 100K World Championships. He also took second place at the Evil Village Trail Race – a race in Croatia.

For the third consecutive year, the aid stations & rest areas will keep the runners hydrated with Unived RRUNN During Hydration Mix. Remember to re-fuel at each aid station. Staying properly hydrated is one of the keys to comfort and performance while trail running. Also, make sure you bring your own water bottle or hydration vest. A key objective of the race is to leave the lowest possible carbon footprint; thus, it does not provide paper cups nor water bottles.

See you all on 13-14 October 2018! Have a great run!

To know more about the race, click here.