To bring a beautiful and trusted running event demands the ability to bring good into the world of running, however small it is. OOTYUTLRA began to help a few ultramarathon aspiring runners with plenty of optimism to scale up. Over the past years, it has been transforming into providing layers of beautiful experiences for ultra experience seekers across all age groups from all over the world through its 15k, 30k, 60k & 90k event categories.
For the runners, OOTYULTRA is a package with challenges, ultra enduring possibilities, and a running event that would provide utmost satisfaction whether you finish it or not. The process of completing every uphill or a downhill section is a journey by itself, offering a grand sense of accomplishment for runners who also admire the beauty of the gift of nature.
Yes, passion drove me to create OOTYULTRA. As a founder and the race director of this mountain ultramarathon, engaging and partnering with the right kind of brands, partners, and people is vital for completing this experience.
An event of this scale can only be completed with dedication and support from passionate and experienced people working behind the scenes.
I want to present my support crew for the OOTYULTRA 2020 edition.
Founder & Race Director OOTYULTRA, Bison Ultra
Founder, running coach KaysFIT Academy
OOTYULTRA Crew
Meera Kannan
Administration & HospitalityMeera Kannan is the top cheerleader for the entire OOTYULTRA family and derives much happiness from supporting and encouraging all the adventure 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
Vasu Venkat
LogisticsVasu, an advocate by avocation, has a passion to volunteer in running events. He shows his friendly face especially in nook corners of hill ultra runs be it Kolli Hills, Bison Ultra Yercaud, or in Ooty. No runner can get past him without being pampered by his warm affection, hospitality, and friendly motivational shout. He has developed his interest in the logistics arrangement of Ultramarathon events. Vasu has been a pillar of support for OOTYULTRA, and he handles the runners on-route provides the best experience and logistics support. OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
Brijesh Gajera
Run ManagerBrijesh Gajera is an impressive Sub 3 full marathoner, a running coach & a co-founder of Ashva Running Club and also one of the Run Managers for The Malnad Ultra. Brijesh is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves photography, poetry, traveling and exploring nature. Weirdly he is obsessed with number 13! OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2020, 2022
Subhash Kumar
Traffic & LogisticsSubhash is exceptionally committed and resourceful. With his ready-to-do-anything-anytime-any work attitude lifts plenty of heavy lifting with the event day arrangements. With his bright smile and soldier-like attitude, he brings in the best charm to the event. OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
Srikrishna Vaidyalingam
LogisticsAs a runner and someone with in-depth knowledge of event management & logistics planning, Srikrishna has been a pillar of support and a trusted advisor for the OOTYULTRA. Srikrishna is known for his deep sense of humour and acts as a source of motivation and strength to the entire OOTYULTRA crew. OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2018, 2020, 2022
Aditya Kannan
Design & ContentA teenager with a keen eye for creativity and out of the box thinking abilities, Aditya regularly contributes to content, provides editorial support, creative design, provides his unique ideas and constructive criticism. He has immensely helped in the development of the OOTYULTRA brand image and the visual themes. OOTYULTRA edition(s): 2020 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
Yasmin Gulab
Logistics & volunteers engagementYasmin 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 has 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 a conversation cos she knows her home turf too well! And yeah, she holds the race record (women) for 30K - challenges her this time!
Sindhu Rao
Admin & volunteers engagementSindhu is a software engineer turned marketing professional & tour lead for all-women travel groups. Her love for exploring new destinations has led to running miles across various destinations in India. When she's not working or running, she is in the kitchen experimenting with different flavors for energy balls. She is also one of the Run Managers for The Malnad Ultra.
Sanjay Krishnamurthy
Medical and SafetySanjay is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring nature, especially the mountains. A wannabe ultra marathoner, Sanjay volunteers for such events to vicariously live the joyous moments of other runners.
Dr.J S KUMAR MD GDipDC(Aus)
Medical DirectorPassion for endurance sports and cares for the runners and their safety. HOD, Dept of Medicine SRM Medical College, SRIMST Consultant Diabetologist, SIMS Chennai
Coach Kay
Founder & Race DirectorKay strives for the runner's safety, the overall quality of experience, and the comfort right ahead of the event objectives. Kay enjoys managing the complexities and challenges an ultramarathon event has to offer and works passionately to identify every last bit of detail to provide a memorable experience for the runners. He values the relationship with all the stakeholders in this event and considers an ultramarathon like this to bring in benefits to the running community, supporting meaningful causes, development of sports in the mountains & its surroundings, the tourism in the Nilgiris mountains, the sponsors/partners, and everyone associated with the event.
In the Past
Sriram Venkat
SafetyOOTYULTRA edition(s): 2019
Sandhya Kannan
MarketingOOTYULTRA edition(s): 2021
Neha Kadam
Social media & content writerOOTYULTRA edition(s): 2021
Anand Adkoli
Run ManagerOOTYULTRA edition(s): 2020