Western Ghats Running & Trail Running in the Sahyadris

This chain of mountains marks the western edge of the Deccan plateau region and is synonymous with Pune, Nashik, and Kolhapur, and is home to 300+ forts from the north of Maharashtra down to Kolhapur.

The Sahyadris' rugged terrain, cloaked in dense forests and steeped in history, has been a location for strategic forts for rulers through the centuries. And each of them have left an indelible mark on the region. Which is why you can see temples, mosques, Budddist caves and Maratha forts, all within a short radius of each other. Reflective of a rich cultural tapestry and historical significance.

A testament to the secular roots of our nation.

Dighvijay Jedhe and the Western Ghats Running Foundation (WGRF)

As the founder of the WGRF, Dighvijay leverages the sport of trail running to celebrate and preserve the region's heritage. His profound connection with the Sahyadris is not merely geographical but deeply personal.

Dighvijay Jedhe and the Western Ghats Running Foundation (WGRF)

The Sahyadris, rich with diverse wildlife including leopards, foxes, and exotic birds, serve as both sanctuary and arena, where the natural world meets human endurance.

A legacy as layered

As the land itself

The legacy of Dighvijay's ancestors, who swore their allegiance to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's vision of Swaraj or self-rule, has greatly influenced Dighvijay’s life's work.

The oath taken by Kanhoji Jedhe and his 5 sons, thirteen generations ago, pledged steadfast support for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's cause, embodying values of sovereignty and respect.

Dighvijay’s great-grandfather, Keshavrao Jedhe, continued this legacy as a freedom fighter and a member of the committee that drafted the Indian Constitution.

His contributions, alongside leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Mahatma Gandhi helped forge a path toward national independence, reinforcing the family’s longstanding dedication to both regional and national progress.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

The WGRF ethos goes beyond organising trail runs. It bridges the past and present by intertwining the region’s history with modern fitness and environmental stewardship.

Through events that traverse these historic landscapes, Dighvijay honours his heritage, engaging participants in the ongoing narrative of the Sahyadris.

Seeking guidance from his newly made friends, he eventually crafted the first route that would become the SRT Ultra - WGRF’s flagship event which takes place every December.

This event was the first in India to adopt a point A to B format, offering runners continuous new vistas — a stark contrast to the typical looped routes found elsewhere.

The SRT’s varied terrain, encompassing forests, rivers, ridges, cliffs, and ladders, makes it a formidable challenge that mirrors the wild character of the Sahyadris.

The SRTL 100

Harder
Better
Faster
Stronger

After five successful editions, WGRF introduced the SRTL 100, a 100km trail race from Sinhagad to the Lingana region, making it Maharashtra's longest trail race. It boasts an elevation of 3700 metres and a daunting cut-off time of 24 hours.

A mouthwatering challenge where runners face natural obstacles that require a diverse set of skills. Everything from river crossings to navigating steep slopes aided by ropes, and manoeuvring technical paths in the dark, to truly test their endurance and adaptability

Organising these races is quite a logistical challenge. Which is why the race's success is bolstered by 500+ volunteers, a mix of locals and past participants familiar with every inch of the terrain, whose involvement ensures the authenticity and smooth execution of the races.

COVID-19

An Unlikely Catalyst

As the Western Ghats Running Foundation (WGRF) continued its efforts to promote trail running through its two landmark events, it encountered an unexpected catalyst that significantly broadened its impact: the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the third and fourth years of the SRT Ultra, when global lockdowns had many yearning for the freedom of outdoor activities, the foundation found itself at a fortuitous crossroads. With government restrictions momentarily relaxed, the SRT Ultra was uniquely positioned as the only marathon event in India to receive official clearance.

The result was a surge of over 1,500 runners, far exceeding the usual 200-300 turnout at trail runs.

This response not only put the SRT Ultra on the map but also built trust within the trail-running community, establishing WGRF in the Indian outdoor sports scene.

A feat which was further cemented when Jedhe was voted in as the India chapter head of the ITRF (International Trail Running Foundation) in 2023.

THE ATHLETE TRAINING PROGRAM (ATP)

An Innovative Initiative

Building on this momentum, the WGRF introduced a new initiative in its sixth year—the Athlete Training Program (ATP).

Included in the race fee, this 100-day program prepares participants for trail running's rigours at no extra cost.

The program incorporates guidance from nutritionists, dieticians, physiotherapists, strength coaches, endurance runners, and mindset coaches.

Participants receive bi-weekly updates on their training schedules, tailored to their specific needs, alongside advice on the appropriate gear for different race lengths.

An Innovative Initiative

Building on this momentum, the WGRF introduced a new initiative in its sixth year—the Athlete Training Program (ATP).

Included in the race fee, this 100-day program prepares participants for trail running's rigours at no extra cost.

The program incorporates guidance from nutritionists, dieticians, physiotherapists, strength coaches, endurance runners, and mindset coaches.

Participants receive bi-weekly updates on their training schedules, tailored to their specific needs, alongside advice on the appropriate gear for different race lengths.

The ATP marked the first time such a comprehensive training resource was made available to marathon participants in India.

The program not only prepared runners for the physical demands of the SRT Ultra but also educated them on essential safety practices and emergency responses.

The Foundation’s Goals and Challenges

The WGRF is dedicated to enhancing trail safety, increasing female participation, and maintaining the ecological integrity of the Sahyadris

It faces challenges like environmental preservation, economic sustainability, and adapting to climate change, which they address through responsible practices and strategic collaborations.

ABOUT THE “RUN WITH
ATHLOS” CLUB

Run With Athlos was established in 2023 to give runners a first-hand experience of the trails in the Sahyadri. This mountain range in Maharashtra has a rich network of pugdandees, or mountain tracks, that connect the valleys at the bottom. These trails were frequently used by locals for trading and by the armies of legendary warriors such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to access the majestic forts atop. These dusty paths now double up as a training ground for aspiring runners. Since October 2023, we have been organizing monthly trail runs in Mumbai and have now expanded to Bengaluru as well. These runs are led by experienced trail runners and are designed to ease beginners into the sport while providing valuable insights into the important do's and don’ts of trail running in the wilderness.

Our eventual goal is to create a community of members who can aid each other’s progress and create a vibrant trail-running culture in India. While they are at it, they can soak in the many glories of nature.

Join our Strava Club - Run With Athlos to stay up to date on all our future runs and possibly join us.

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