Test your tough – Top ultra runners all set for 24 Hours Stadium Run in Panchkula

Going by the tagline ‘Test you tough’, the top ultra running enthusiasts from across the country will test their limits during the fifth edition of the Tuffman 24 Hours Stadium Run Chandigarh to be held at the athletics track of the Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 3, Panchkula, on February 11-12. 

There are three ultra run categories – 24 hours, 12 hours and 100km run – in the stadium run.

Any run longer than the usual marathon distance of 42.195 km falls under the ultra run.

In the 24 hours stadium run, one has to run a minimum of 110km and if a runner is able to cross the mark of 161km, he or she will earn ‘ultra tuffman/tuffwoman’ title.

In the 12 hours run, one needs to complete a minimum of 150 laps of the track – 55km – and if one is able to run more than 200 laps in the stipulated time, he or she will earn a title of Tuffman/Tuffwoman.  

In the 100km run, to earn the ‘tuffman/tuffwoman’ title, one has to complete the run in minimum 15 hours.

There are 6 hours, 3 hours and 6 hours team relay run categories also.

Over 200 runners, including over 60 ultra runners, are participating in the Stadium Run. Seven teams are in the relay race. A relay team comprises three members. 

Twelve-hour run national record holder Dhananjay Sharma will be eyeing another top finish. A Japanese runner and one from Bangladesh are also participating in the run.  

The runners from various groups like Chandigarh based The Run Club, Chandigarh Distance Runners, Panchkula Runners, Lucknow based Arun’s Pathshala and Haldwani based Devbhoomi Runners and Focus Gym are also part of the event.  

The run will start at 4pm on Saturday.

“Stadium is totally different terrain. Running for a long duration on a track is a challenge. Ultra run in a closed circuit of 400m requires endurance and great mental strength,” says Sanjay Mangla founder of the Tuffman India. “I wish best of luck to every runner, as running in itself makes one a winner.”