About Ootyultra
OOTYULTRA is an Ultramarathon organized by KaysFIT Academy, founded by Kannan Sundararajan, a.k.a Coach Kay, also the Race Director.
With steep up/down gradients, the race is perfect for the regular amateur runners to the serious ultramarathon lovers. With four distance categories, 90k, 75k, 60k, 30k & 15k, OOTYULTRA offers an opportunity for everyone to experience this beautiful ultramarathon.
The challenging OOTYULTRA route is designed to take you through the streets of Ooty town, key landmarks, green wooded forests, and innocent village roads. You will quickly escape into the mountains as you run, reach the second-highest peak in south India, and enjoy the breathtaking views. replace you with runners (beginners or ultrarunners)
OOTYULTRA is a demanding road running event that caters to a wide range of participants, from regular amateur runners to dedicated ultramarathon enthusiasts. With its array of four distinct distance categories—90k, 60k, 30k, and 15k—OOTYULTRA presents an exceptional opportunity for runners of all levels to immerse themselves in the splendor of this remarkable ultramarathon.
The formidable OOTYULTRA course has been meticulously crafted to guide runners through a captivating journey. Runners will traverse the charming streets of Ooty town, pass by iconic landmarks, run through lush wooded forests, and traverse tranquil village roads. The route seamlessly leads runners towards the mountains, where they’ll ascend to the Doddabetta peak, the second-highest peak in southern India, treating them to unparalleled panoramic vistas that are sure to leave them awestruck.
Whether you’re a novice seeking an introductory challenge or a seasoned ultrarunner in pursuit of the ultimate test of endurance, OOTYULTRA promises an unforgettable experience. The event caters to the diverse aspirations of participants, inviting them to revel in the beauty of the course while conquering its steep gradients and demanding terrain. So whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of ultramarathons or you’re a seasoned campaigner, OOTYULTRA invites you to partake in this journey of self-discovery and accomplishment.
How did it all start?
Coach Kay, the founder and Race Director of OOTYULTRA, is a back-to-back Comrades Marathon finisher (in South Africa). He used the present OOTYULTRA course as a training ground during his 2014 Comrades training.
After becoming a full-time ultrarunning coach, he wanted to take his athletes to OOTY, those ultramarathon runners training for the Comrades Marathon, to offer them the toughest running route that would mentally and physically prepare them for the race.
Interestingly, a 60k long training planned in Ooty for Coach Kay’s KaysFIT Academy Comrades runners, Balaji Thulasiraman, Ajay Verma & Satyashil Pradhan, who were training for the Comrades Marathon down run in 2018, had instantly evolved as the OOTYULTRA.
- 1st edition: 29-Apr-2018 with a few international runners and 278 runners across 10 states in India.
- 2nd edition: 7-Apr-2019 with 717 runners.
- 3rd edition: 5-Apr-2020, cancelled due to COVID-19
- 4th edition: 1-4 Apr 2021, the Spirit of #ultramalaivasi run conducted virtually with over 600 runners
- 5th edition: 3-Apr-2022, with 500 runners. The 2022 edition also witnessed the first-ever 90k category officially conducted.
- 6th edition: 2-Apr-2023, Sunday, 1109 participants. Tamil Nadu Tourism becomes the tourism partner for OOTYULTRA
- 7th edition: 31-Mar-2024, Sunday, 968 runners, 21 Indian States, 9 Countries. Ambal Auto becomes the Title Sponsor for OOTYULTRA
- 8th edition: 6-Apr-2024, Sunday; 938 runners, 19 Indian States, 6 Countries. Vivatta & Ambal Auto were the Joint Title Sponsors of OOTYULTRA 2025 (read race directors report)
Get tougher before attempting other mountain races!
OOTYULTRA is more than just a training run for other tough mountain ultramarathons like the Comrades Marathon in South Africa—it’s a challenging and rewarding race in its own right. While many runners who have taken on OOTYULTRA have gone on to conquer Comrades with confidence, the key lies in the preparation. The demanding 60K course not only builds the mental and physical toughness needed for other ultras but also requires dedicated hill training to take on its own challenges. We take pride in emphasizing both—how OOTYULTRA prepares runners for bigger goals and how the right training is essential to succeed at OOTYULTRA itself.
OOTYULTRA has always been a challenging mountain ultramarathon, and in 2025, we are pushing the limits even further with the newly introduced 75K category. Designed for experienced ultrarunners looking to test themselves beyond the 60K, this category bridges the gap between endurance and extreme mountain running.
At the pinnacle of OOTYULTRA is the 90K, an invitation-only category known for being one of the toughest mountain ultras. Even highly talented ultrarunners find it incredibly demanding, with only 47% of participants finishing since its introduction in 2022. The course is relentless, testing runners both physically and mentally at every step. So far, only one woman, Preeti Lala, has successfully completed the 90K, making her achievement truly remarkable.
Whether it’s the new 75K challenge or the legendary 90K, OOTYULTRA continues to set the benchmark for mountain ultramarathons in India.
Distance Categories
Introduced in 2020, the 90k is the most challenging race category with a 2642 m elevation gain & 2416 m drop with a 12 hr cut-off for the elite ultra runners offered only by invitation.
Introduced in 2025, the 75k a perfect bridging distance between 60k and 90k category with a 2142 m elevation gain & 2000 m drop with a 12 hr cut-off for ultra runners who are ready to take this tough category.
1647 m elevation gain & 1401 m drop, with a 10.30 hrs cut-off, this category is best suited for recreational and first-time ultrarunners and some serious ultrarunners who like this route’s challenge offer.
Also used as a training run for many other Indian/International ultramarathons. Sub 5:50 hr marathon finish, mandatory for qualification
For the regular half marathon runners planning to start ultramarathons, experience ultra-difficult terrain. Sub 3 hrs half marathon mandatory for qualification. Still, a challenging course with a 1053m elevation gain and an 889 m drop.
For 10k runners planning to understand what it is to run in an ultra-difficult terrain and enjoy the wholesome experience of being part of an ultramarathon. 488 m elevation gain and 317 m drop.
The perfect connection
OOTYULTRA is a perfect way to connect with the local tradition, history, natural beauty, culture, and the people of Ooty and the Blue Mountains. Running on such a beautiful mountain will also provide a unique opportunity for the runners to experience the gift of nature.
Every year, OOTYULTRA attracts many local runners and runners from across India/abroad, along with their family members, to the Nilgiris district.
Why should you run the OOTYULTRA?
OOTYULTRA provides an opportunity for runners across the world to come and experience many unique things, such as,
- Run and reach the South India’s highest peak, Doddabetta, at 2637 m above sea level
- Beginners to seasoned runners – OOTYULTRA race categories 90k, 75k, 60k, 30k & 15k is designed for everyone
- Most sections are non-repeating, challenging terrains amidst stunning blue mountains
- Engaging pre-race day events fostering camaraderie
- A memorable souvenir #ultramalaivasi T-shirt
- Unique 4-inch custom medal with a laser-cut name for all legal finishers
- End of March and beginning of April is the ideal timing for a summer family vacation in Ooty
- Earn the title of #ultramalaivasi (Malaivasi (மலைவாசி in Tamil) is a mountain dweller)
- Supportive, smiling and experienced volunteers, passionate organizing team, and sponsors
- Dedicated Medical, Sports Medicine, Safety and Communication Team
OOTYULTRA is for everyone
Behind the logo
We proudly share the OOTYULTRA logo, which signifies the local culture, flora & a few iconic places in Ooty.
