For the fourth year in succession, Malnad Ultra in Chikmagalur, Karnataka in Southwest India, will offer two points race categories for the Asia Trail Master Championship ranking and one for the Grandmaster Quest. The 9th edition of Malnad Ultra is scheduled for the usual weekend of 22/23 November. The 100km is once more the long ultra to focus on, as well as the ‘daytime’ 50km medium distance race. Note: the event now also offers a ‘nighttime’ 50km, but that category does not offer ATM Championship points. Online registration is already open.

Malnad Ultra remains a classic on the Indian trail running calendar, and rightfully so. Taking place in India’s Karnataka region near Bengaluru in the southwest is a wonderful trail experience in what can still be seen as a new destination. The event essentially takes place in a large coffee plantation area at elevations ranging from 800m to 1500m above sea level. The races are runable, but challenging and across various types of terrain with accumulated elevation gain of approx 3400 hm for the 100 km and 1700 hm for the 50 km.

The origin of the name Malnad is attributed to Male meaning Hill and Nadu meaning Land. So, Malnad is the land of the hills. The organisation is in the capable hands of the Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management (GIREM), and further driven by a large team of enthusiastic volunteers.

Bengaluru is the easiest airport to fly into as the international gateway to the event. From there, busses will take runners to Chikmagalur and Mallanduru, roughly 5 hours away, where the event is held. Please note Malnad Ultra is a trail adventure and takes place in a remote area so allow for enough time to reach the final destination. Also, be aware that mobile connectivity may be limited on many parts of the course.

International runners are recommended to email the event organisation of Malnad, or Asia Trail Master, directly for details about transportation options to the event site. Accommodation is mostly pleasant homestays - with great food! - and are plentiful in the area. Detailed information about travel, accommodation and touristic options are available on the official website of Malnad Ultra now.

The event has a quota on participation, so please do not wait until a few weeks before to register. You can check all details on the event via the official website and find the registration button there as well.

Shashwat Rao has been winning the 100km race for men in recent years, and last year the 50k women saw fantastic performances by the young female Nepalese runners from Jumla.

official website

9th Malnad Ultra 2025 now open for registration