This weekend, head to the Sahyadris for a refreshing marathon

Marathoners run on a road built amid the wilderness

Monsoons in Maharashtra have become synonymous with treks. But while trekkers dote on the rains for the verdant mountain trails, the season brings something for runners, as well. The Durshet Forest Annual Marathon, which will take place over this weekend, is a much-needed departure from the typical marathons held in urban settings.

"This is more than just a run; it's an experience," shares Arvind Bijwe, race director and founder of the organising company Runbuddies Races. A marathon runner himself, Bijwe was never fond of running in cities. He would often go to Durshet village, which abounds in fauna and flora, for a run with his friends. "The run here would hardly feel the same as you would make in a town. You're running along a gushing river and the striking green ranges of the Sahyadris. There are innumerable waterfalls en route to the end point. It is definitely more challenging, because it is set in the wilderness and is nothing like running on the straight roads of a city."

Runners cross a bridge over Amba river in Durshet during a previous marathon

And so, Bijwe ended up charting a route for marathoners to enjoy an annual run after he realised that the village had the most to offer in the monsoon. The first run took place eight years ago with 150 participants mainly from Pune and Mumbai. This year, over 750 marathoners are expected to turn up, from cities across India, including Chennai and Hyderabad. "Durshet was not as known or explored as, say, Mahabaleshwar or Matheran by tourists. People approach me and say that the village is now associated with our annual marathons," he laughs, adding that these marathons are also a source of income for local people from around the area, who provide services like volunteering and home stays.

On Saturday, marathoners can collect their bibs. They can either relax or participate in on-site activities like rock climbing, camping and bonfire. The races will start at 6.30 am on Sunday. The marathons are divided into many distances, starting from three km, five km and 10 km to 21 km and 32 km. "In case the runners cannot arrive on Saturday, buses will leave from Mumbai and Pune on Sunday as well. They can directly turn up for the marathon and leave after breakfast," Bijwe informs us. "It is so beautiful that you won't even realise when you reach the finishing point," he signs off.

Arvind Bijwe

On August 19 to August 20
Meeting point Sterling Nature Trails, Village Durshet, Khopoli-Pali Road, Taluka Khalapur.
Log on to runbuddies.club (for registration; travel and accommodation details)
Entry Rs 5,500 onwards