So you think you are tough?

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 22

Running a half-marathon is a huge challenge in itself. Imagine having to do it in the hills where the air is sparser and terrain tricky. Tackling steep ascents and descents test physical as well as mental strength of the runners.

Come November 17, a small hill town of Himachal Pradesh is going to test the mettle of runners and fitness freaks across the nation. The Tuffman Kasauli Hills Half-marathon is back. Apart from the 21-km half-marathon, the event will also have 10km, 5km and 3km races spread over the age groups of 18-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years and over 51 years.

The half-marathon, being touted as one of the toughest races to be conducted in India, will start from the Army ground in Kasauli and go till Jangeshu via Parwanoo before finishing at the Army ground. The race will see and overall elevation gain of 3,000 feet. “It is a unique race as it starts with a decline and as one gradually progresses up the course, it will morph into an inclined route and that is the beauty of it as it will compromise the working of the legs, lungs, the brain and so on,” said Dr Neel Panag Khanna, who has been participating in such races for more than four years and is also part of the organising team.

In the past, Tuffman has organised events in various other places such as Goa, Shimla, Manali and Leh. Last year, the Kasauli event witnessed around 800 participants, with actor Rahul Bose among the runners. This time the organisers are expecting at least 1,000 participants to turn up. 

The Kasauli hills may mesmerise the runners with their beauty but the tough course is bound to test even the most experienced marathon runners. “Tuffman, the name says it all,” said Amar Chauhan, a running enthusiast who has been part of around 78 similar races and has 69 gold medals to his name. “…that’s the best part of it, the terrain. You go down around 700m in the first part and then you climb back again. There is Maharashtra’s Satara hill marathon, which is a renowned one. But that is like every other hill race starting with an ascent and then a descent. This one is just the opposite and that is the challenge as it tests your mental as well as physical strength,” the 76-year-old from Mohali said.

Chauhan said the Kasauli half-marathon was a perfect opportunity to test one’s limit and see how tough one was. “I ran in the last edition and for the first time I was injured as I tripped while running,” added Chauhan. 

The run also aims to raise funds for the Army Women Welfare Association (AWWA). Registrations for race will remain open till November 5.