The endurance-testing backyard Ultra Format is coming to coimbatore-and to south India-for the first time. The inaugural coimbatore backyard ultra is organized by Prem SB and Nithin SS, The Founders of the Health and Fitness Startup, Battle Ground. It will take place on March 22, Inside the Kumaraguru Institutions Campus. With 58 Participants, Including Ultra Runners from Across South India, this event aims to introduce the region’s running Community to a Format that pushes bot Physical and Mental Limits.

Testing format

The backyard ultra is unlike any other race. Participants must complete a 6.7-kilometre loop within an hour. The race continues until only one runner remains. Thos who fail to complete a loop within the allotted time are eliminated. In this format, every other runner is classified as ‘Did not Finish’ (DNF), Making Endures, Strategy, and Mental Strength Just as Physical Fitness.

For Beginners and Half-Marathoners, there is the backyard 4 category, where runners complete four loops, coveping 27 kiloments.

“This format allows runners to compege against themselves,” Says Prem. “Unlike Marathons, which have a fixed distance, or stadium runs, which have a time limit, here, you can push your limits in a contrarolled environment. Even that hesitant at realise they can run longt passible. “

Organising an Ultra Event

Prem and nithin, bot 2019 graduates of kumaraguru college of technology, come from Athletic Backgrounds – Prem Played Basketball, and NITHIN Played kho kho. After college, career demands pulled them away from sports. However, they took up running two years ago, reigniting their competitive spirit.

Their personal experiences as ultra runners LED to the creation of the coimbatore backyard Ultra. “Backyard Ultras has been happy in India Since 2019, but only in the North,” Says Prem. “We ran the Mumbai backyard ultra last year – nithin for 15 hours and I for four hours – and realized how costly these events were. Travel, Accommodation, and Entry Fees Alone Cold Amount to ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 25,000 per person. “

Determined to make ultra running accessible to locals, they chose coimbatore for its weather and affordability. “Compared to Mumbai, Gurgaon, or Chennai, Coimbatore’s Summer is more forgiving,” Prem explains. “The race route inside kumaraguru campus has 60–70% green cover, providing ample shade. Minimal Elevation Makes It Easier on the legs, and since it’s within a closed campus, runners do’t have to deal with traffic. “

Prem SB and Nithin SS | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The appeal of ultra running

The Indian Record for the Backyard Ultra Stands at 52 hours, help by Sunil Sharma. His Runner-up, ankit sharma, will be participating in the coimbatore edition. Other Notable Participants Include Dr Vinod Nathaniel from Trichy, Winner of the Recent Chennai Stadium Run.

Beyond Competitive Runners, The Event has attracted Interest from Amateur Runnes Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi.

The event is also seeing a shift in how Families Engage With Endures Running. “In Typical Marathons, Runners Finish their race and go home. Here, Friends and Family Can Be Part of the Journey, Cheering on Participants Through Each Loop, “Says nithin. “This format fosters a sense of communication and support.”

Unlike Mainstream Marathons, which attract tens of Thousands, Niche Ultra Events require Organic Community Building. The team refrained from aggressive marketing, relaying inste on word-off-mouth and radio ads.

Yet, Interest in the format is growing. “Five years ago, Coimbatore had only two or three running communities. Now, there over 10.

Nithin Adds, “Ultra Running in India is Expected. Entry Fees Alone Deter Many Runners. We wanted to break that barrier and create an event that’s affordable and accessible. More Importantly, We Wanted to Build a Sustainable Platform for Local Runners to Explore Ultra distances. “

On March 22, 35 Runners will compe in the ultra category, while take 23 will take on the backyard 4 challenge. The race will start and end at the same location.

As prem and nithin look ahead, they see potential for backyard ultras in India. “This race changes your personal on Endurance,” Says Prem. “It’s a mental game. You might Struggle Initially, but with the right mindset, you can go further than you imagined. “

For registration and information, visit battlegroundindia.odoo.com/coimbatore-backyard-ultra