Celebrating the Success of OOTYULTRA 2025 – A Heartfelt Thank You!
As the 8th edition of OOTYULTRA comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who made this event possible. From our dedicated volunteers and support teams to the 938 runners (from 19 Indian states and 7 countries, including 123 women and 28 kids), each of you played a crucial role in making this a memorable race.
Our oldest participants—a 76-year-old male and a 65-year-old female—proved that endurance knows no age limit, while our youngest runner, at 16 years and 8 months, showed that the spirit of ultrarunning starts early. With five race categories, we came together to create an experience that will be cherished for years to come!
A special thank you to our joint Title Sponsors, Vivatta and Ambal Auto, whose support helped bring this event to life. Your contributions made a significant difference in delivering a world-class ultramarathon experience.
We also extend our gratitude to our sponsors:
- Vivatta – Fresh Chakki Atta
- Eagles Dare Adventures – Adventure Partner, who not only sponsored Home Wood Tea for all but also provided free access to their adventure park, adding an extra thrill to the experience
- Thillais – Authentic Spices
- Foodstrong – Nutrition Sponsor
- Farmer Four – for sponsoring fresh seeds
- Red Bull – for their energy stations, giving runners that much-needed boost on the course
A special mention to Tamil Nadu Tourism, which has supported us as a Tourism Partner since 2023 for both OOTYULTRA and Bison Ultra, and to TTDC for providing key venues, including TTDC Unit 1 Hotel and the TTDC Boat House, as the starting point for OOTYULTRA. We are also grateful to TANHODA for allowing us to use the Tea Park since 2018, as the venue for the finish, making the end of the race as scenic and memorable as the journey itself.
Each of these partners played a key role in making OOTYULTRA more than just a race—an unforgettable journey!
Another beautiful #ultramalaivasi journey to remember
Held on March 23, 2025, OOTYULTRA 2025 offered distances of 15K, 30K, 60K, 75K, and the grueling 90K—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Nilgiris hills. Rooted in a vision to create a safe, scenic, and unforgettable running experience since its first edition in 2018, OOTYULTRA promotes health, wellness, sports tourism, and community impact.
OOTYULTRA takes pride in being powered by a growing family of like-minded ultra-endurance running volunteers who love being on the other side—supporting others and celebrating the spirit of the trail. This is the #ultramalaivasi experience, brought to life through the vision and efforts of KaysFIT Academy.
When I started OOTYULTRA, my dream was to create more than just a race—I wanted to build a movement that inspires people to push their limits, embrace the mountains (or even challenge them if needed), and experience the pure joy of running in nature. My vision has always been to blend endurance with community, challenge with celebration, and individual effort with collective spirit.
As the founder and race director, I’m grateful to see this dream grow year after year, fueled by the passion of runners, volunteers, and supporters. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you!
This year, we introduced a new 75K distance with a 12-hour cutoff—a perfect stepping stone toward the 90K, which remains our most demanding category with a 47% finish rate. The 75K came with its own unique gold-and-bubble medal.
Our 90K medal also got a size upgrade to mark the magnitude of the challenge. For the first time, we introduced #ultramalaivasi Finisher T-shirts for 75K and 90K runners, handed out right at the finish line—keepsakes of grit and achievement
Enhancing the OOTYULTRA Experience: Smoother, Safer & Sustainable
This year’s 30K had a revised start time of 6:05 AM—just after the longer distances began—giving runners a 30-minute advantage. We also adjusted the route to skip the 15K checkpoint, slightly shortening the course and allowing runners to bypass the sun-exposed 23K–29K climb. This not only improved the race experience but also helped us manage traffic more efficiently, ensuring a smoother and safer course for everyone.
At OOTYULTRA, we have always been committed to reducing our environmental impact. We discourage the use of plastics by providing steel tumblers for hydration, ensuring waste is properly segregated and handed over to the municipality. We have also eliminated unnecessary packaging—race T-shirts no longer come in plastic bags, and our goodie bags have been cotton bags for years. Sustainability is a tradition we take seriously, and every small step contributes to preserving the beauty of the Nilgiris.
Like every year, runners had the chance to attend a First-Aid and CPR awareness session by Karthik Venkatesan, Senior Master Trainer from ALERT. These sessions, along with the Race Director’s FAQs, were held weekly in the last five weeks leading up to the race. They helped runners prepare better, avoid race-day surprises, and understand key topics like pacing, hydration, nutrition, rest, and recovery—areas I am personally passionate about.
Top Finishers by Distance (Open Category)
The 8th edition of OOTYULTRA witnessed outstanding performances across all distances, with Hariharan setting a new course record in the 15K! Here are the top finishers in each category:
🏆 15K – Hariharan (1:04:40 – New Course Record) & Arpita Bhat (1:42:11)
🏆 30K – Sathvik S (2:36:48) & Karin Hayashishita (3:42:15)
🏆 60K – Sreekanth K (6:43:09) & Mehwish Hussain (7:45:08)
🏆 75K – Partha Narayana Shreedhar Hegde (10:03:54) & Dolly (10:23:49 – the only female finisher in the maiden 75K category, securing 4th overall)
🏆 90K – Subindas A B (10:43:31)
Top Finishers by Distance (Above 45 Category)
The 8th edition of OOTYULTRA also saw remarkable performances from seasoned runners, proving that age is just a number! Here are the top finishers in the Above 45 category:
🏆 15K – Murali G (1:24:51) & Shaifali Singh (1:51:19)
🏆 30K – Ryo Makino (3:25:01) & Sudha (3:37:47)
🏆 60K – Subhra Kanti Das (7:00:42) & Mary Joshy (9:00:48)
🏆 75K – Sanjeev (10:15:13) & Dolly (10:23:49 – the only female finisher, ranking 4th overall)
🏆 90K – Sridharan Narayanan (12:01:58) (Outside the medal cut-off)
Special Mention > 60k age runners
The following senior runners successfully completed OOTYULTRA 2025, proving that endurance and determination have no age limit.
Men’s Senior Finishers
In the 15K category, we celebrate K Suresh (62), Sudershan Singh (61), Bhoopal R (66), Radhakrishnan Nambiar (63), Kumaravel M (61), Parthasarathy Geethu (60), and A Radhakrishnan (65) for their strong performances.
For the 30K, special recognition goes to our oldest finisher, Dr. N S S Rajendran (76), along with Anil Gupta (71), who took on the course with inspiring resilience. We also applaud G R Nagarajan (60), Raju T M (60), Ashok (60), Nanda Kumar (62), Chandrasekhar Gujjal (60), Madhavan Raman (60), and Ganesan Mathew (61) for completing the 30K with remarkable grit.
In the 60K, Anand Narayan (61) displayed incredible perseverance to conquer this demanding race.
In the 75K, Gurdeep Bains (63) and Manmadhan M V (67) tackled one of OOTYULTRA’s toughest distances and crossed the finish line with determination.
Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all, proving that age is never a barrier to chasing new goals and pushing personal limits.
Women’s Senior Finishers
In the 15K, we celebrate Premakumari N (53) for taking on the challenge with confidence.
For the 30K, Srilatha Ramachandran (53) demonstrated great resilience, successfully completing the race.
In the 60K, Mary Joshy (55) emerged as the oldest female finisher of OOTYULTRA 2025, taking on the distance with exceptional endurance.
Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all, proving that age is never a barrier to chasing new goals and pushing personal limits.
🎉 A huge congratulations to all runners for the bold tryst with the Blue Mountains and earning your #ultramalaivasi title! 🏅
Enhancing the Experience – Aid Stations, Expo & The Sound of Tradition
In this edition of OOTYULTRA, we made key improvements to our aid station operations, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for both our volunteers and runners. Since our volunteers are the backbone of this race, we take pride in integrating passionate individuals—including ultrarunners and their families—who love supporting others. This is a tradition we are committed to carrying forward.
Expo Day brought unexpected challenges when a sudden spell of rain tested our setup. However, with backup planning in place, we ensured a seamless BIB distribution. The Madras Regimental Military Pipe Band set the tone with a powerful performance, though they had to cut it short due to the rain. Fortunately, the skies cleared just in time for the race briefing, making their return to the Nilgiri hills even more special.
Having earned accolades across India with performances at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Republic Day Parade, the Madras Regimental Military Pipe Band brought their signature energy and rich musical heritage to the #ultramalaivasi EXPO at 3 PM, filling the air with their iconic tunes and adding to the spirit of OOTYULTRA.
Race Day Magic – Thunderous Beats, Brutal Climbs & the Spirit of the Nilgiris
As dawn broke on Race Day, the Chendai team delivered a thunderous start, their electrifying rhythms echoing through the Nilgiri hills, awakening the spirit of every runner.
All race categories started exactly on time, staying true to a tradition we take pride in. With memories of Saturday’s rain still fresh, there was some concern about a repeat on Sunday. While light showers did return around 3:00 PM, they only added to the magic—mist rolling in, clouds draping the finish line at Tea Park, and the Nilgiris wrapped in ethereal beauty. For runners at the finish and volunteers along the course, the cool air was a welcome reward.
But make no mistake—the OOTYULTRA course is brutal. With its relentless climbs and killer elevations, it pushes even the strongest runners to their limits. And after 10 AM, the challenge intensifies as the sun comes out in full force, with a high UV index adding an extra layer of difficulty. It’s a true test of endurance, resilience, and the spirit of the #ultramalaivasi!
Beyond the Race – Building Communities, Changing Lives
Our commitment to community impact began in 2022 with a ₹1,00,000 pledge to the District Collector’s Fund, supporting local initiatives. In 2024, we took another step forward with the Kenthorai Play Park initiative, built with ₹4,50,000, creating a safe and joyful space for children. This year, we continue our mission by pledging ₹1,00,000 towards the Dhoddanni Panchayat Public School, our second #ultramalaivasi community project in partnership with Kenthorai Ilaignargal Sangam. Through these efforts, we strive to make a lasting impact beyond the race course.
As part of this effort, our family visited the school, spent time with the children, and distributed school uniforms, reinforcing our commitment to their education and well-being. The Dhoddanni Play Park project will commence once the necessary paperwork is in place, ensuring a well-planned and sustainable initiative for the children.
Honored Guests & Guardians of the Race
We were honored by the presence of the Nilgiris District Collector, Ms. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, I.A.S, and Superintendent of Police, Ms. Nisha, I.P.S, for the flag-off ceremonies. Their encouragement right from the beginning added meaning and momentum to our efforts, and it was a privilege to have them as part of this special moment.
It was incredible to see the police team actively supporting the runners right from the Ooty Boat House all the way up to the Tea Park. Their coordinated effort in managing traffic and deploying bike patrols along the route ensured a safe corridor for the participants. Additionally, the Forest Department played a crucial role in coordinating safety within the designated forest areas along the course. Their collective commitment made a significant difference in providing a secure and seamless experience for all the runners.
The People Behind the Race
Organizing a race across three major locations—expo, start, and finish—takes precision, and we are grateful for the ongoing support from local administration, police and forest officials.
A special note of gratitude goes to our volunteers—those who handle the Expo Day activities including race kit distribution, route marshaling, aid stations, and post-race logistics. Despite long hours and unpredictable weather, they showed up with smiles, keeping runners safe, hydrated, and inspired throughout the event. Their presence defines the heart of OOTYULTRA.
The Flashbulbzz team, with us since 2022, captured the moments that made this edition memorable.
Safety, Medical & Logistics – The Backbone of OOTYULTRA
We’re also grateful for our medical and safety teams. Hindusthan Hospitals played a crucial role in OOTYULTRA’s history—their Chairman instantly agreed to support the event, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to the running community. PSG Hospitals further strengthened our emergency readiness by providing additional ambulance support. ALERT NGO, with their energetic first responders, added another important layer of care and assurance. Special thanks to CardiAid for sending their portable AED devices, ensuring enhanced safety for all participants.
We continue to receive incredible support from the Udumalpet HAM team, whose expertise helps keep our operations connected and coordinated.
Separately, ORTHO-ONE’s sports medicine and physiotherapy team supported runners with expert attention before, during, and after the race. Their post-run care, stretching support, and on-ground assistance at the finish line helped many runners recover efficiently.
Thanks to Ambal Auto Maruti and Nexa Cars, the entire course was covered end-to-end, capturing unforgettable memories for all runners. Ambal Auto’s continued association and Vivatta coming on board this year as a joint title sponsor played a crucial role in enhancing the race experience.
A special thanks to Unique Public School for providing four of their buses and for being our academic partner for the last three editions. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring smooth race-day logistics and making OOTYULTRA a well-coordinated event.
The Power of Collaboration – Teams Behind the Scenes
An ultramarathon is more than just a test of endurance—it is an experience brought to life by the collective effort of athletes, organizers, volunteers, and, most importantly, sponsors. Their support ensures seamless logistics, safety, and memorable moments that make the event truly special.
We deeply appreciate the support of Nomadic Nilgirians, Information Evolution led by Yasmin, and volunteers from CISCO Runners led by Bala. A special acknowledgment to Brijesh, who worked relentlessly behind the scenes to manage race technicals and logistics.
We also extend our gratitude to the Ghouse Moideen, our local coordinator, Guna/Mano, Sunder & Kenthorai Friends led by Suresh Babu and Sabreesh for their continued support. A huge thanks to Runwynd, Anton, and LongRunTimings for their timely and coordinated efforts, ensuring seamless execution and a smooth experience for all runners. Your dedication made a world of difference!
OOTYULTRA 2025 Results & Next Challenge Awaits!
The OOTYULTRA 2025 results are now available, and you can download your official certificates. Race day photos are also live on our partner Memzo website and we have already sent you instructions on how to download them.
If you registered late (after 23-Feb-2025) or made any category changes after the TTW deadline, we will verify your results and process your Custom Finisher Medals accordingly.
Podium finishers (both in the Open category and 45+ category) will receive a special #ultramalaivasi medal. However, this process will take at least 3 months to complete. We appreciate your patience!
If you have feedback or stories to share, drop us a note in the comments or write to info@ootyultra.com. We’d love to hear from you.
And if you’re ready for your next challenge, join us at the 7th edition of Bison Ultra on Sunday, 8th June 2025—an ITRA-certified trail race through the stunning coffee estates of Yercaud. Limited to 200 runners, with only a few slots left, it’s a unique chance to run wild in nature.
Thank you again. Let’s carry the spirit of #ultramalaivasi forward—until we meet again at OOTYULTRA 2026, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, 22nd March 2026.
Cheers & Happy Running,
Coach Kay
Race Director, OOTYULTRA
