Half marathon - 21.1 Km
Half Marathon – The route for the PNB METLIFE SHHM has been described in many ways by past runners. Its been called Beautiful, Scenic, Blessed with Nature’s Bounty, a run in the clouds etc…. But one thing is for sure – NO ONE has ever called it “Easy”!
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. Veteran Ultra-marathoner Satish Gujaran from Mumbai, who has finished 5 Comrades marathons back to back, becoming the fastest Indian to finish it for four years on the trot – has this to say about the PNB METLIFE SHHM –
“The PNB METLIFE SHHM course has many similarities with the route of the legendary COMRADES Ultra marathon, in South Africa. The uphill portion, coming around 3.75km from the Start, bears an uncanny similarity with the fabled FIELD’S HILL of the Comrades Uphill course. Every runner who nurtures a dream to run and finish the ‘COMRADES’ some day, should run the PNB METLIFE SHHM to get a feel of what it is like, and use it as a stepping stone towards the ultimate glory – The Comrades Ultra marathon !!!”
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!!!
Route Map
There will be total of 14 AID STATIONS along the entire route of Half marathon event. 7 AID STATIONS on the left hand side of the road on the way out and also on the way back. Each AID STATION will be well stocked with drinking water,Electrolyte energy drink,fruits,biscuits,Pain killer sprays,ice,vaseline,Medical first Aid kits and an ambulance on standby.
Route Snaps Route Elevation GARMIN Profile[The route may be may subject to minor changes in the starting point this year ]
The race is an out and back course, meaning – we start and end at the same place (The Satara Police Ground).
The race starts in the heart of the historic city of Satara, the erstwhile capital of the Maratha Kingdom, winds through its snaky roads for about 3.8 kms, and then begins the steady climb on the road towards the famous Kaas – Plateau of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A breathtakingly beautiful run on a winding, twisting climb of about 3.25 km will take you to the summit of the mountain at Niwant Hill Resort (Yavateshwar). From here, it is a much welcome and relatively comfortable run on a gentle rolling course of about 3.5 km, up to the half way mark just beyond Prakruti Ayurvedic Health Resort
This resort is well known for its holistic treatment centre for chronic illnesses and Ayurvedic Panchkarma treatment and Massage therapy. But don’t start thinking of the massage yet !!! You need to run back from here, all the way to the Finish, along the same scenic route, albeit on a slope all the way down (sure to zap your quads here).
All in all, we assure you that this race will be a feast to the senses and a challenge to your bodies!!
A gentle reminder – This is definitely not an ideal race for a novice Half marathoner/ first time half marathoner, although we have had several hundred runners each year, who have run and finished their first Half Marathon on this course too !
As they say, Where there is a will, There is a way !!!
