Core team and Volunteers

OOTYULTRA began as an idea from Coach Kay. Its true strength comes alive only because of the volunteer crew and supporters who turn the race day into a high-performance endurance project. They are friends who have become an extended family. They step in with commitment, happiness, and drive. They bring their energy to every task and elevate the entire experience for runners.

Many of them invest close to sixteen hours on race day and give their full Saturday as well. Some handle route marking. Some focus on safety. Some manage communication with the support of the Udumalpet HAM Radio team led by Jayakumar and Karthikeyan. Some ensure runner care and first response. The First-Responders from ALERT contribute with skill and dedication. Karthik Venkatesan has played a major role in educating runners and strengthening the first-aid and CPR awareness initiative started by Coach Kay for OOTYULTRA and Bison Ultra.

The race is gifted with the wholehearted support of the Nomadic Nilgirians running group founded by Yasmin. The staff of Information Evolution, co-founded by Yasmin, also play a key role with their consistent and enthusiastic involvement. Many friends and runners join each year. Together they execute one of the most demanding endurance operations in the mountains with purpose, care, and pride.

— Coach Kay

Founder and Race Director

Coach Kay

With 32+ years of experience in engineering, software, corporate management, program/project management, and business management—combined with his journey as an ultrarunner and marathoner—Coach Kay is deeply committed to runner safety, quality of experience, and comfort, placing these priorities even ahead of event objectives. Coach Kay thrives on managing the complexities and challenges of organizing an ultramarathon, passionately focusing on every detail to create a memorable experience for runners. He values strong relationships with all stakeholders, including The Nilgiris district government authorities and local entities, ensuring a well-coordinated and impactful event.

Hospitality Captain & Core Member

Meera Kannan

Meera Kannan is the top cheerleader for the entire OOTYULTRA family and derives much happiness from supporting and encouraging all the adventures KaysFIT Academy embarks. In addition, she is an important critic and active contributor to all aspects of event design and planning.

OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Core Member

Yasmin Gulab

Yasmin RUNS – runs for recreation, runs a family, runs a business, runs the local Nomadic Nilgirians Running Club, and simply loves supporting all things running! Born, raised, and lived all her life in the beautiful hills of Nilgiris, she's been active with several initiatives that contribute to the well-being of Nilgiris and its people. That's how she found her interest in OotyUltra! You'll see her at the start, finish, aid stations, and everywhere around the race – don't be shy to stop and strike up a conversation cos she knows her home turf too well! And yeah, she holds the race record (women) for 30K – challenges her this time!

Core Member

Brijesh Gajera

Brijesh Gajera is an impressive Sub 3 full marathoner, a running coach & a co-founder of Ashva Running Club and one of the Run Managers for The Malnad Ultra. Brijesh is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves photography, poetry, travelling and exploring nature. Weirdly he is obsessed with the number 13!

OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2020, 2022

Core Member, Emcee & Host

Ashwin Raghunath

Ashwin Raghunath is a media professional based in Bengaluru, India, known for his roles as an executive producer and content innovator. He has a background with notable organizations such as CNBC-TV18, Bloomberg TV, and Business Insider. He has been an integral part of OOTYULTRA since 2023, serving as the emcee and host for our Instagram live sessions, bringing his expertise in media and communication to engage and connect with the running community.

Joint Medical Director

Dr Shreevidya

Dr. Shreevidya is a seasoned Internist, Diabetologist, and Women's Health Specialist with over 20 years of experience in preventive health and wellness. As the Medical Director of Preventive Health at Apollo Hospitals, she has played a key role in public health initiatives, including Tamil Nadu's COVID-19 response. An alumna of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, she is also passionate about clinical research, corporate health management, trekking, and art.

Marketing, Design and Content

Aditya Kannan

Aditya immensely contributes to the content, quality and the aesthetics of OOTYULTRA, provides editorial support and creative design. He has been instrumental in developing the OOTYULTRA brand and visual themes.

Hospitality & Logistics

Anjali Kannan

Having seen the growth of OOTYULTRA from its inception, Anjali sharpens the finer nuances of the race management to deliver a unique and unparalleled experience to the run.

Core Volunteer

Balasubramaniam M

Balasubramaniam, popularly known in the Bengaluru running circuit as Cisco Bala is among the pillars of the city's running circuit. Bala and his team of passionate runners have delivered unequivocal support to running events across the city, bringing in their unique flavour of support and encouragement.