Anjur Ascent Ultra 2026 (A2U-26)
Run the Rise. Conquer the Ascent.
Welcome to Anjur Ascent Ultra, a challenging trail running event designed for runners who crave elevation, endurance, and raw nature. Set against the rugged terrain of Anjur, this ultra is more than a race—it’s a journey of grit, resilience, and connection with the land.
About the event
Anjur Ascent Ultra is a trail-focused endurance run that tests both physical strength and mental determination. With continuous climbs, technical trails, and breathtaking views, the course is crafted to push limits while celebrating the spirit of trail running.
Whether you are an experienced ultra-runner or an aspiring trail athlete, Anjur Ascent Ultra offers a platform to challenge yourself in a safe, well-supported, and eco-conscious environment.
Why Anjur Ascent Ultra?
Relentless Ascent – A course built around elevation gain and sustained climbs
Pure Trail Experience – Forest paths, rocky sections, and natural terrain
Runner-Centric Design – Aid stations, markings, and safety protocols planned by trail runners
Eco-Responsible Race – Leave No Trace principles at the core of the event
Community Driven – Volunteers, runners, and like minded coming together as one tribe
Registration Open!
Categories:
16km
32km
50km
Tips to be followed
The terrain is not same:
We call it a multi-terrain marvel. Therefore, running in the trail has its own unique challenges and being watchful and alert while running on the trail.
Find your rhythm:
Running off road can be exhausting, focus on finding the rhythm until you sense being one with the terrain.
Run with a buddy:
If you are not aiming for personal best, run with a buddy so that you can be safe inside the trails.
Keep your eyes on the trail:
It can be tempting to look at the nature around you, but doing so can quickly lead to tripping and falling. It is advisable to keep your eyes on the trail.
Taste the Chennai Canyons:
It is best to avoid comparing your pace, as you will be slower than your normal road-running pace. Instead, slow your pace and develop a trail tempo.
Sport with your Trail shoes:
If you have a pair of trail running shoes, sport with them. They reduce the chance of ankle rolls with a high heel.
Accessorise:
It is advisable to apply sunscreen, wear your sunglasses, cap/hat or carry a piece of white cotton cloth to cover yourself when the sun is pretty hard after 8 a.m.
Must Carry
We recommend runners to carry following items:
T-shirt
Attach your BIB to your running t-shirt or shorts, ensure that the Timing chip is not removed from the BIB.
Hydration Belt
To carry additional water in between the aid stations [as you require].
Sun Protection
Depending on the weather we can expect hot sun in the open location after 8am.(cap, sun screen)
Torch
Must for 50 km and 32.2 km runners.
Points to be noted
- Runners completing their run within the above Cut-off timings will receive a Chennai Trail Ultra 2025 finishing medal.
- Separate post-run rankings will be published for male/female under the below mentioned categories:
Open (18-50 years)
Veteran (51+ years)
- We will also provide e-certificates within a few days after the event with your finish timing.
- Always listen to your body and stop if you feel exhausted or have any body pains.
Important
Note that completing a marathon is more important than winning.
Eligibility for Medal/ Certificate
Important
Runners (all categories) finishing beyond above cut-off timings will not receive medal and finisher e-certificate.
Open (18-50 years)
Veteran (51+ years)
Cut Off Timings
| Category | Start Time | Open Men | Open Women | Veteran Men | Veteran Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 km | 4.30 am | 07:30 hours | 07:30 hours | 08:00 hours | 08:00 hours |
| 32.2 km | 5.00 am | 05:30 hours | 06:00 hours | 06:00 hours | 06:30 hours |
| 16.1 km | 6.00 am | 02:45 hours | 03:15 hours | 03:15 hours | 03:45 hours |
*Intermediate cut-off/distance will be provided in the preparatory mail
For the 16.1 km event, participants will be sent in batches with a 15-minute interval, starting at 6:00 AM, to ensure the safety of all runners due to the large number of participants.
Aid Station Overview
AS – Aid Station
WS – Only Water Station
50km
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start/26.5km | Aid Station |
| AS1 | 2km/6.5km/29km | Aid Station |
| AS2 | 10km/32km | Aid Station (Major) |
| AS3 | 13.5km/36.5km | Aid Station |
| WS1 | 16km/38.7km | Water Station |
| AS4 | 18km/40.5km | Aid Station (Major) |
| WS2 | 21.5km/44km | Water Station |
| AS5 | 24.5km/47km | Aid Station |
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type | Provisions (To be Updated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start/26.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS1 | 2km/6.5km/29km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS2 | 10km/32km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS3 | 13.5km/36.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS1 | 16km/38.7km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS4 | 18km/40.5km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS2 | 21.5km/44km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS5 | 24.5km/47km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
32km
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start/26.5km | Aid Station |
| AS1 | 2km/6.5km | Aid Station |
| AS2 | 10km | Aid Station (Major) |
| AS3 | 13.5km | Aid Station |
| WS1 | 16km/30.5km | Water Station |
| AS4 | 18km | Aid Station (Major) |
| WS2 | 21.5km | Water Station |
| AS5 | 24.5km | Aid Station |
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type | Provisions (To be Updated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start/26.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS1 | 2km/6.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS2 | 10km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS3 | 13.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS1 | 16km/30.5km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS4 | 18km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS2 | 21.5km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS5 | 24.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
16km
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type |
|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start | Aid Station |
| AS1 | 2km | Aid Station |
| AS2 | 6km | Aid Station (Major) |
| AS3 | 9.5km | Aid Station |
| WS1 | 12km | Water Station |
| AS4 | 14.5km | Aid Station (Major) |
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type | Provisions (To be Updated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS1 | 2km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS2 | 6km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS3 | 9.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS1 | 12km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS4 | 14.5km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
Note
- All aid stations will be equipped with basic first aid and pain relief spray.
Aid Station Support
Aid stations along the course will be equipped with essential nutrition and hydration support, including:
- Banana
- Orange
- Lemon
- Salt
- Multigrain Chikki
- ORS
- Energy Drink
Please Note: Availability may vary across aid stations and during the course of the race.
Medical Assistance
At Chennai Trail Club, the safety and well-being of our participants is our highest priority. For the JHU event, we have implemented a robust and comprehensive medical response system to ensure quick and effective care in case of any emergency.
Here is an overview of the medical plan in place for all participants:
On-Site Medical Facilities
- Ambulances: Stationed at the start point and at key locations along the route for rapid emergency transport.
- Doctors: Qualified doctors will be on-site to provide immediate medical assessment and treatment.
- Physiotherapists: Available at both the start and finish points to assist runners with warm-up, recovery, and injury care.
On-Course First Aid
- To ensure full coverage, every aid station and route marshal team will be supported by a CPR-trained emergency responder for immediate first aid.
Emergency Communication
- Medical Helpline: A dedicated medical helpline will be active throughout the event for any urgent needs.
- Emergency Contacts: All participants will receive a list of real-time emergency contacts before the event to ensure fast communication.
Food & Support
- Aid station every loop: Water, electrolyte, lemon, banana
- Breakfast: 8–10 AM
- Lunch: 11 AM – 1 PM
Categories
6 Hours Category
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM OR 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Approx distance: ~25 km
- Approx elevation gain: ~1800 m
12 Hours Category
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Approx distance: ~50 km
- Approx elevation gain: ~3600 m
(Distances & elevation are indicative and based on consistent loop completion.)
Race details
Anjur Ascent Ultra follows a time-based hill loop format, where time controls progression — not distance.
This is an endurance-focused format that rewards discipline, consistency, and mental strength over speed.
Loop / Route Details :
- 1 loop ≈ 2.2 km
– 1.1 km ascent (~150 m elevation gain)
– 1.1 km descent - Start & finish of every loop is at the base corral
- Aid station at the base (every loop)
Hourly Structure:
- All runners start together at the top of every hour
- Each hour = 2 loops
- Both loops must be completed within that hour
- Runner must return to the corral before the hour ends
- If you are not back in time, you are out
- At the next hour mark, remaining runners start again together
Out / Continuation Rule:
- If a runner fails to complete both loops within the hour, they are out of the race
- No DNF tagging — your effort stands as completed time
- You run as long as you can sustain the format
Format Philosophy:
- No fixed finish line — time decides
- Encourages smart pacing, recovery, and restraint
- Fair, simple to track, and hard to game
- Focus on honest effort, rhythm, and sustained endurance
Qualification and Criteria
This is a limited-spot, first-edition event, curated with deep respect for the sanctity of the Anjur Hills. Registration is not FCFS, and runner selection will be through a qualitative review process by the organisers. Registration will be closed as soon as we reach capacity (20 runners for 12 hours category and 30 runners for 6 hours category)
Qualifying Criteria (within the last 1 year):
6 Hours Category — meet any ONE
- Finished a trail race with minimum 700 m elevation:
– 25 km in 5 hrs or 30 km in 6 hrs or 35 km in 7 hrs
(OR) - Completed a 42 km road marathon ≤ 5:00 hrs
12 Hours Category — meet any ONE
- Completed any ultra-distance (>42 km) trail / endurance event within cut-off
(OR) - Finished a 50 km trail race with minimum 1500 m elevation in 10 hrs
If you believe endurance is about rhythm, restraint, and earning every hour, this is your invitation.
More details will be available on the registration form.
Save the date and stay tuned.
Our aid stations will be equipped with below items:
Water
ORS
Banana & Orange
Snickers & Groundnut bars
Lemon & Salt
Boiled Potato
First aid/ Volini
Note
If you require any other refreshments while running then please arrange the same yourself
Accommodation
We have arranged basic shared accommodation for approximately 100 runners at the venue, supported by the local community.
Spaces will include community halls, temples, and similar village facilities.
There is also the option to camp near the start point, where runners can set up their own tents if they wish to.
Bringing a tent is not mandatory, but those who prefer the camping experience are welcome to do so.
- Accommodation will be on a shared and first-come-first-serve basis.
- Runners are advised to carry their own sleeping mats, blankets, and personal essentials for added comfort.
Over Night Stay
- There is a large covered open space where runners can stay free overnight on Saturday (no separate registration required).
- Some 200+ runners and volunteers stayed at the campus in previous edition.
- Those opting to stay overnight please bring along following items:
Sleeping Mat
Blanket
Torch
Odomos (just in case)
Food Coupon
One meal (either Breakfast or Lunch on Sunday) is included in the Registration fee for Runners of all categories. Additionally Food Coupons need to be ordered for other cases as mentioned below using this link provided in Preparatory mail sent after registration closure.
Categories
Saturday Dinner (September 06, 2025)
For runners, accompanying friends and relatives, planning to stay overnight at the venue (Dinner will be served between 7:00 – 9:00 pm).
Sunday Breakfast (September 07, 2025)
For accompanying friends + relatives only. For runners it is included in registration. (Breakfast will be served between 9:00 – 11:00 am).
Sunday Lunch (September 05, 2025)
For Runners (who have taken Breakfast), accompanying friends + relatives. For Runners who may complete the Marathon after 11:00 am, Lunch will be served as part of the Registration, since Breakfast would have been closed by that time. (Lunch will be served between 11:30 – 2:00 pm).
Terrain & Trail
Terrain & Trail
The Anjur Ascent Ultra course takes runners through:
- Steep ascents and rolling climbs
- Scenic viewpoints and natural ridgelines
- Technical trail sections demanding focus and agility
- Expect a course that is tough, honest, and unforgettable.
Anjur Ascent Ultra is not about speed alone—it’s about perseverance, respect for nature, and the joy of climbing higher than you thought possible.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Runners are advised not to throw any cups, wrappers (chocolate/gels), other waste either on the trail or inside water bodies. Use the waste bins kept near the refreshment points.
Please note that barefoot running is not recommended.
Maintaining Cleanliness
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