Durshet Forest Marathon

Of bulls, rivers, tribal villages, mountains and humans.

By Veloscope

January 20^th, 2016

Sometimes a marathon isn’t just another run against time and others, it’s an experience way beyond that. Durshet Forest Marathon was one such intoxicating mix. The run amidst the breathtaking forest surroundings came with the challenges that the rough terrain possessed, the rain soothed but made the track difficulty go up multiple folds, the passages through the village taking you back in time, that opened up into stunning grasslands, this was a marathon to savour.

the forest.

The first phase of the forest opened up a stretch over loaded with striking greens all around, Amba river running parallel to the track, blanket of paddy fields, several streams and bridges, as the runners set the starting pace. Each turn presented a view to mesmerize. What a morning!

through different times.

Crossing the forest the runners entered a small village, neatly tucked into nature, miles away from the chaos civilization generally brings with it. It almost feels like a time travel. The village was waking up early morning and the runners brought in a mix of reactions from them and their cattle. Some went about doing their usual daily chores, pausing and looking intriguingly in between, few took best seats available to enjoy the race.

the climb.

The steep uphill formed the perfect stairway to the final part of the race.

over the top.

The final part to the higher areas of the forest and grasslands post the rocky uphill climb, after almost 7 kilometers of run proved tough for the most, the rewards though of the toil were laid out in abundance by nature. The uphill trail lead to open grasslands and the overwhelming beauty of the Shayadri mountain ranges around the valley. The efforts were more than worth it.

the iron man.

This wasn’t a usual marathon route, rough terrains, steep uphills, wet muddy patches, slippery gravels, amidst all the challenges and the hardships that the route brought, inspiration was much needed but not too difficult to find.