About OOTYULTRA

OOTYULTRA is an ultramarathon organised by KaysFIT Academy, founded by Kannan Sundararajan (Coach Kay), who also serves as the Race Director.

With steep ascents and descents, OOTYULTRA is a mountain ultramarathon for runners at every level. It has six distance categories: 90k, 75k, 60k, 50k, 30k, and 15k.

The OOTYULTRA course goes through Ooty town, past landmarks, forest trails and village roads. Runners climb towards Doddabetta, the second-highest peak in South India, with mountain views along the way.

Whether you are taking your first step into endurance running or are an experienced ultrarunner, there is a distance for you in the Nilgiris.

Founder & Race Director

"OOTYULTRA originally started as a training run for a few aspiring Comrades marathon runners and was eventually shaped and crafted to be the most beautiful ultramarathon that provides a challenging yet memorable racing experience to several aspiring runners (whom I call affectionately the #ultramalaivasi's) worldwide.

Since its first edition, OOTYULTRA has grown in multiple folds. It is one of India's most sought-after, challenging ultramarathon races in the most enchanting Blue Mountains of The Nilgiris. OOTYULTRA will strive to provide a 'wow' experience to the runners while offering the best value for the association to sponsors & partners."

Coach Kay

M.Sc in Sports Performance | High-Performance Endurance Coach | Certified Personal Trainer | UESCA Ultrarunning Coach | Certified Project Manager | 6-Sigma Black Belt in Business Excellence

Founder & Race Director OOTYULTRA | Bison Ultra

The OOTYULTRA Story

Coach Kay is a back-to-back Comrades Marathon finisher. During his own Comrades training in 2014, he used the current OOTYULTRA course as a training route.

After becoming a full-time ultrarunning coach, he wanted to introduce his KaysFIT Academy athletes to Ooty's demanding terrain to prepare them mentally and physically for the Comrades Marathon.

What began as a 60k training run in 2018 for KaysFIT Academy athletes Balaji Thulasiraman, Ajay Verma, and Satyashil Pradhan quickly evolved into the first edition of OOTYULTRA.

OOTYULTRA started with the 15k, 30k and 60k. We introduced the 90k in 2022, the 75k in 2025 and the 50k in 2026. Over the years it has grown from a small training run into a race with distances from 15k to 90k, set in the hills of the Nilgiris.

Choosing Your Distance

The distances build on each other and prepare runners for bigger mountain events. The 50k is a good first step into long distance mountain running and a base for future goals (e.g. running the 60k, 75k or even attempting the daunting 90k at OOTYULTRA) or any other mountain ultramarathon. The 60k and 75k courses are stepping stones for major international events like the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. The long climbs and sharp descents build strength and mental toughness.

For experienced runners, there is the 90k at OOTYULTRA. It is an application-based category. The finish rate has been 46 percent since it started in 2022, and it needs strong preparation. Preeti Lala is still the only woman who has completed the 90k. Whichever distance you choose, prepare with hill training, strength conditioning and steady endurance work.

Why Run OOTYULTRA

The route passes through the places, culture and people of Ooty and the Blue Mountains, with mountain views, forests and quiet village roads. Runners come from across India and abroad, and many return with their families to explore the Nilgiris. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned ultrarunner, here is what the race offers:

• Reach new heights: Run up to Doddabetta, the second-highest peak in South India, at 2,637 m above sea level
• Inclusive race categories: Distances of 90k, 75k, 60k, 50k, 30k, and 15k, for every level of runner
• Scenic and challenging: Mostly non-repeating routes through mountain terrain
• Pre-race events: Meet other runners and experience the local culture
• Finisher rewards: Receive a #ultramalaivasi T-shirt and a custom 4-inch medal engraved with your name
• Perfect timing: End of March to early April — the ideal window for a summer family vacation in Ooty
• #ultramalaivasi: Become a #ultramalaivasi (மலைவாசி in Tamil), meaning "mountain dweller"
• Support system: Supported by a team of volunteers, sponsors, medical experts, and safety professionals

OOTYULTRA is not only for elite runners. It is open to anyone who loves the mountains and running. It is a race for:

The OOTYULTRA logo represents Ooty: its people, culture and landscape. The design elements reflect the flora, terrain, and landmarks of the area, and stand for endurance, community, and connection with the mountains.