We are all set for the UltraHalf race this October. Participants will compete with each other in a race unlike any other seen before.
At 19,600ft walking also becomes tiring, imagine running or even more so, competing.
If you are thinking about taking part, you must be ready to take on this challenge.
In order to take part in this, you must qualify a minimum selection creation and also be well acclimatized. Let us elaborate on this for you.
Race Qualification Criterion
For the 1st edition of the race, the general qualification criteria is as follows:
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Applicants must have ran 2 Half Marathons (21 Kms) in the 6 months preceding their application date. Or,
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Applicants must have trekked to a minimum elevation of 4000m in the 6 months preceding their application date. Or,
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Applicants must have climbed a technical mountaineering summit over 5000m in 1 year preceding their application date.
An applicant can meet any one of the above criteria to gain consideration for participation. However, he/she will be required to submit proofs to substantiate their claims.
Additionally, the listed qualification criteria are for general direction only, as each application will be scrutinized on a case to case basis. Hence, applicants are advised to provide as much detail as possible of their sporting career and achievements.
Role Of Acclimatization Treks
Before you decide to run with all your heart, soul and energy at 19,600 ft you need to make sure that you are well acclimatized.
As we go higher up in altitude, the oxygen level begins to decrease. We must give our bodies enough time to get used to this decreased oxygen level.
When we talk about UltraHalf it is very important that we understand the need for preparedness one needs in order to take part in the event.
All participants are recommended to go for acclimatization treks before the big event so that they can have a fair measure of their fitness. Depending on your prior trekking or hiking experience you can choose from a wide list of treks or expedition to help yourself prepare and reach the required fitness levels.
Taking part in these treks will not only make you fit for the race but will also give your body time to get used to the altitudes, so that when the time comes you can participate and give a tough competition to the other 99 racing against you.
Offer for Acclimatization Treks
The acclimatization treks are sure very important and the good news is that you can do these without burning a hole in your pocket.
Here are a few recommended acclimatization treks for the race.
1.) Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek
| Region | Manali |
| Max Alt | 4480 M |
| Trek Distance | 37 Kms |
| Start Point | Khanol |
| End Point | Khanol |
| Difficulty Level | 4 |
| No of days | 6 |
Qualification Criteria
The Deo Tibba Base Camp trek is a great option for those who have lesser trekking experience and want to begin with a moderate level trek for acclimatization for the race. You must the experience of small treks of 2-3 days before and hiked to an altitude of more than 3000 meters.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds.
Find More Info Here
2.) Hampta Pass Trek
| Region | Manali |
| Max Alt | 4200 M |
| Trek Distance | 35 Km |
| Start Point | Manali |
| End Point | Manali |
| Difficulty Level | 4 |
| No of days | 5 |
Qualification Criteria
The Hampta Pass trek is a great option for those who have lesser trekking experience and want to begin with a moderate level trek for acclimatization for the race. You must the experience of small treks of 2-3 days before and hiked to an altitude of more than 3000 meters.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds.
Find More Info Here
3.) Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
| Region | Kashmir |
| Max Alt | 4175 m |
| Trek Distance | 69 km |
| Start Point | Sonamarg |
| End Point | Naranag |
| Difficulty Level | 4 |
| No of Days | 8 |
Qualification Criteria
The Deo Tibba Base Camp trek is a great option for those who have lesser trekking experience and want to begin with a moderate level trek for acclimatization for the race. You must the experience of small treks of 2-3 days before and hiked to an altitude of more than 3000 meters.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds.
Find More Info Here
4.) Pin Bhabha Pass Trek
| Region | Himachal Pradesh |
| Max Alt | 4915 m |
| Max. Group Size | 15 |
| Trek Distance | 48 km |
| Start Point | Kafnu |
| End Point | Mudh |
| Difficulty Level | 5 |
| No of days | 8 |
Qualification Criteria
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is for those who want to experience a high altitude gain and have prior trekking experience. In order to do the trek, you should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in their kitty along with the experience of trekking at altitudes of 3700 metres or above.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
Find More Info Here
5.) Kanamo Peak Trek
| Region | Spiti |
| Max Alt | 5974 M |
| Trek Distance | 25 Kms |
| Start Point | Kibber |
| End Point | Kibber |
| Difficulty Level | 5 |
| No Of Days | 9 |
Qualification Criteria
The Kanamo Peak Trek is for those who want to experience a high altitude gain and have prior trekking experience. In order to do the trek, you should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in their kitty along with the experience of trekking at altitudes of 3700 meters or above.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
PS: We have a special acclimatization batch before the race for the Kanamo Peak trek.
Find More Info Here
6.) Buran Ghati Trek
| Region | Shimla |
| Max Alt | 4590 m |
| Trek Distance | 50 km |
| Start Point | Janglik |
| End Point | Barua |
| Difficulty Level | 6 |
| No of Days | 7 |
Qualification Criteria
Buran Ghati trek is for those who want to push their limits and experience a new level of adventure. A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets.
Find More Info Here
7.) Kang Yatse II Expedition
| Region |
Jammu & Kashmir
|
| Max Alt | 6250 m |
| Trek Distance | 72 km |
| Start Point | Chilling |
| End Point | Chokdo |
| Difficulty Level | 7 |
| No Of Days | 13 |
Qualification Criteria
Kang Yatse II is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done a trek that climbs to 4700-5000 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in the mountains of Ladakh. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets.
Find More Info Here
8.) Parang La Trek
| Region | Spiti |
| Max Alt | 5580 M |
| Trek Distance | 128 km |
| Start Point | Kaza |
| End Point | Karzok |
| Difficulty Level | 7 |
| No Of Days | 12 |
Qualification Criteria
Parang La trek is for those who want to push their limits and can dare to walk the miles. One should have an experience of at least 10 – 15 trek days in the Himalayas, At least one Moderate Plus category trek, Experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4700 - 5000 m, Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets.
Find More Info Here
9.) Pin Parvati Pass Trek
| Region | Himachal Pradesh & Spiti |
| Max Alt | 5298 M |
| Trek Distance | 78 km |
| Start Point | Bhuntar |
| End Point | Kaza |
| Difficulty Level | 7 |
| No Of Days | 11 |
Qualification Criteria
Pin Parvati Pass trek is one crown jewel in the world of trekking. The trail is only meant for those with experience. One should have an experience of at least 10 – 15 trek days in the Himalayas, At least one Moderate Plus category trek, Experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4700 - 5000 mt, Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets.
Find More Info Here
10.) Stok Kangri Trek
| Region | Ladakh |
| Max Alt | 6152 m |
| Trek Distance | 40 km |
| Start Point | Leh |
| End Point | Leh |
| Difficulty Level | 7 |
| No of Days | 9 |
Qualification Criteria
Stok Kangri trek is a dream for many. It is one of the most popular and preferred treks among the experienced trekkers. Before attempting Stok Peak you should have an experience of at least 10 – 15 trek days in the Himalayas, At least one Moderate Plus category trek, Experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4700 - 5000 mt, Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets.
Find More Info Here
11.) Mt. Satopanth Expedition
| Region | Gangotri (Uttarakhand) |
| Max Alt | 7075 m |
| Start Point | Gangotri |
| End Point | Gangotri |
| Difficulty Level | 9 |
| No Of Days | 23 |
Qualification Criteria
Mt.Satopanth Expedition is for those who have serious experience and technical knowledge about mountaineering. A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of people who have previously been on an expedition to a technical 6000 m peak. At least 4-5 challenging treks along with 30+ total trekking days in the Himalayas. Experience with glacier trekking and high altitude mountaineering are essential for Mt. Sathopanth. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 km (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better).
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets.
Find More Info Here
With these acclimatization treks, you will be all set to race at 19,600 ft!
We hope to see you on the trails and on the race track!
