Jawadhu Hills Ultra 2026 - Tamil Nadu, India

Jawadhu Hills Ultra 2026 (JHU-26) brings experienced trail runners into the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu on Saturday 31 October. Organised by Chennai Trail Club, the event explores the wooded hills, farms and ridgelines around Jamunamarathur, with terrain varying from runnable paths to steep climbs and technical descents. The 2026 programme has 30 km, 60 km and 100 km categories; the longer two are qualifiers in the South India Trail Grail (SITG) programme.

Courses and start arrangements

The shared event base is St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Jamunamarathur (Athipet). The organiser's category table specifies a 5:00 am start for 60K, finishing at Titanur Temple, and a staggered 6:00 am start for 30K, finishing back at the school. The 100K start time is still listed as to be determined on the current event page. Listed overall cut-offs are 6 hours (30K), 12 hours (60K) and 20 hours (100K), with intermediate checkpoints on the longer routes. One older section on the same organiser page gives a different 30K finishing time, so entrants should follow the final emailed runners' guide rather than relying on that older text.

Essential runner logistics

Previous endurance-running experience is mandatory. The organiser specifies qualifying performances or completed trail events appropriate to each race distance, with evidence supplied during entry. Registration is currently closed. All registered runners must personally collect their bibs at the Friday 30 October race briefing; collection by a representative is not permitted. Bring identification, running shoes and a hydration bottle or bladder. The 60K and 100K additionally require a working torch. Timing is manually recorded, and within-cut-off finishers receive a medal and an online certificate rather than prize money.

The organiser provides aid-station support, medical personnel, a start-line baggage facility and distance-specific post-race meals. The school offers free space for overnight camping, while nearby accommodation is limited. Runners should plan transport into the Jawadhu Hills ahead of time, carry their required gear, respect forest rules and stay on the marked route. Consult the organiser's latest handbook for detailed aid-station positions, 100K start information, checkpoint cut-offs and any late course changes.

Distance-display note: ARC's current structured distance list contains 30K and 100K but not 60K. The official 60K race is genuine and documented here; its structured distance still needs adding before publication.