Chennai Trail Ultra 2025 (CTU-25)
Chennai Trail Ultra (CTU) offers a unique blend of physical challenge, raw adventure, and deep connection to nature. Traverse diverse terrains — from lush dam and lake bunds to vibrant villages and majestic canyons. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or a curious first-timer, there’s a distance to push your limits and leave you exhilarated.
And now, another reason to lace up!
CTU 2025 is officially an ITRA (International Trail Running Association) race.
Registration closes on 9th Aug (Saturday)!
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 at a podium finish or 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, ensure that the Timing chip is properly attached to the BIB.
Emergency Number
Write an emergency number (wife, parent, relative…) on the back of your 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.
Cut Off Timings
| Category | Start Time | Open Men | Open Women | Veteran Men | Veteran Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 km | 5.00 am | 07:30 hours | 07:30 hours | 08:00 hours | 08:00 hours |
| 32.2 km | 5.15 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
50km
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type | Provisions (To be Updated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start/25.5km/32km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS1 | 2km/6.5km/34.5km/38.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS1 | 4.2km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS2 | 10km/42km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS2 | 13.5km/30km/46km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS3 | 17km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS3 | 20.5km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS4 | 23.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
32km
| Station # | Distance (Approx.) | Type | Provisions (To be Updated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS0 | Start/25.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| AS1 | 2km/6.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS1 | 4.2km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS2 | 10km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS2 | 13.5km/30km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS3 | 17km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
| WS3 | 20.5km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS4 | 23.5km | Aid Station | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
16km
| 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 |
| WS1 | 10km | Water Station | Only Water |
| AS3 | 14.5km | Aid Station (Major) | Water, Electrolytes, To be updated |
Note
- We’ll share a tentative list of what to expect at each aid station as the event approaches, though availability may change.
- All aid stations will be equipped with basic first aid and pain relief spray.
Medical Assistance
At Chennai Trail Club, the safety and well-being of our participants is our highest priority.
For CTU, we have implemented a robust and comprehensive medical response system to ensure quick and effective care in case of any emergency.
On-Ground Medical Infrastructure
- Ambulances will be stationed at the start point and at critical route locations, enabling swift transport in case of emergencies.
- Qualified doctors will be present on site to provide immediate medical assessment and treatment when needed.
- Physiotherapists will be available at both the start and finish points to support runners with warm-up, recovery, and injury care.
Emergency Response Personnel
- Every aid station and route marshal team will be supported by CPR-trained emergency responders, ensuring prompt first aid coverage across the entire course.
- We’ve also partnered with the Alert NGO team, bringing in certified first responders trained in emergency response protocols.
Real-Time Support
- A dedicated medical helpline will be active throughout the event for instant escalation and support.
- Real-time escalation contacts will be shared with all participants before the event, enabling faster communication in case of emergencies.
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
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 running route of CTU is a mesmerizing multi-terrain experience. Runners will traverse dams, cashew farms, canyons, paddy fields, small villages, sandy riverbeds, and vast grasslands. The trail encompasses hard dirt tracks, red soil with small gravel, sand trails, sections of tar roads, and grasslands. Running on such uneven terrain demands heightened focus from runners, particularly for those participating in the 32 km/50 km Ultra race during dark hours. It is important to stay balanced and avoid venturing off the trail into water bodies or surrounding vegetation.
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. Sholavaram tank is one of the well maintained tank and major supplier of drinking water to the people of Chennai city. Therefore, requesting the cooperation from the runners to maintain the cleanliness of the tank and the trail.
Please note that barefoot running is not recommended.
Maintaining Cleanliness
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