ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S most beloved races, the Auroville Marathon will be taking place on Sunday, February 14th in Pondicherry. This would be the race’s 9th edition overall.
Before the country was flooded with new marathons that seems to taking place nearly every weekend, it was once considered the last race of the running season before people started training for TCS 10k held in May in Bangalore. This year will be no different with runners lining up to run in the tough yet beautiful course that Auroville has to offer.
The race began innocuously when the community at Auroville decided to invite a few runners in 2008 to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of Auroville. However, due to strong word of mouth response (and tales of delicious pre-race pasta), the event has quietly grown into a race runners use to test their trail running skills.
There will be three race categories: Marathon distance, Half marathon and the 10k race.
“The goal of Auroville marathon is to offer a platform for those who wish to develop in themselves grit, tenacity, plasticity, and become runners for the rest of their lives. The run is offered to all in the spirit of the joy of running. The journey is to discovery is arduous but very rewarding,” notes the AV Marathon team.
The defining trait about the race is the humidity that will be ever prevalent during the race and the scorching heat that will hit once the sun rises. While the course is flat, the trail is a combination of dirt and paved roads, challenging runners to push their limits.
Tips to conquer the Auroville trail: