Challenging and Scenic course - with awesome running conditions :

The half marathon route passes through the majestic Western Ghats (Part of the Sahyadri range of forests in Western Mahatrashtra) It is a challenging out and back run, through the hills around Satara, taking the runners on a roller coaster ride , through spectacular scenes of natural beauty.

Run alongside waterfalls, through clouds, and often through light to heavy rain showers (If mother nature smiles on you on race day !)

International Status :

The PNB METLIFE SHHM is a proud member of the AIMS [ International Association of Marathons and Distance Races ] The AIMS is a member based organisation of more than 380 of the world’s leading distance races, from over 100 countries and territories. It aims to foster and promote distance running throughout the world.For more information about AIMS...

Volunteer and Community based organisation :

The SHHM is organised by the Marathon Association Satara , which is a Non Profit Organisation , formed by running enthusiasts from the local running community of Satara. The event was conceptualised and brought into reality by a group of dedicated runners , who wanted to promote and nurture distance running as a tool to foster health awareness and to bring the entire local community together for a common cause.

Runners are often overwhelmed by the sense of camaraderie and the carnival atmosphere that is one of the hallmarks of this Running Festival – which is organised on a grand scale , inspite of being managed entirely by volunteers drawn from across the local community.

Joy of a personal triumph :

The challenging and unique nature of the course sets it apart from all other half marathons organised anywhere in the country. In fact, it is considered to be among the toughest half marathon courses anywhere in the world. That's why it's known as "Ultra Half Marathon". Veterans who have run some of the most difficult distance races over the world have described this course as a tough nut to crack. It is clearly not a race to beat your own P.B (personal best / record), but if you do run this half marathon and finish it, rest assured that it will be a feather in your cap. The route is testing on the runner, but the challenge is worth it. This may not produce your personal best time, but it is very likely to be your personal best route!!!

Visit a historic place :

Satara is a place with a rich historic heritage and is also blessed with nature’s bounty. Runners can couple their running adventure with visits to one or more of the several nearby destinations like Forts, Lakes, Waterfalls, Places of pilgrimage, the famous hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, Palaces, Museums etc. The famous Unesco World Heritage site KAAS – The Plateau of flowers, is at a distance of just 25Km from the heart of Satara city. In fact, the Half Marathon course also follows the same route, and the Kaas plateau is at a distance of about 15 km from the Turnaround point of the course.

International Ambassador :

The Technical consultant, Mentor and Official Coach of PNB METLIFE SHHM, Mr Norrie Williamson is a Virtual endurance coach, former international triathlete/athlete, author, event technical consultant, journalist, professional structural and civil engineer. He wears many hats with aplomb. Coach Norrie Williamson is a very popular and respected name among the road running community in South Africa , as well as all over the world . Due to his passion for the sport as well as his enthusiasm for coaching, he loves to travel and interact with Running Communities in different countries spread across the Continents. Under his able guidance, the team at PNB METLIFE SHHM have made intense efforts to improve and enhance the overall experience of runners participating in this much loved event in India’s ever expanding and growing running calendar.