The SUMMIT RUN Lurntsu Circuit (SRLC), is the third mountain trail race in the SUMMIT RUN Series, after Indrahar & Sethan – Hamta. We continue to bring exciting short distance trail routes for the growing trail running community in India. The SRLC takes you to the Tehri-Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, just a few hours from Delhi, making it one of the most easily accessible trail circuits to explore.
The event is scheduled for 7th December 2024 (Saturday). The registration will include race day arrangements, support and one night stay at the Deolsari Forest rest house, which is the starting point of the race. Since this place is 1.5 hr drive from Mussoorie, an early morning start and lack of stay options near Deolsari, will make camping here overnight before race start an ideal option.
The race route is little over marathon distance on mountain trails. The race starts from the Deolsari Forest rest house, and go towards Nag Tibba top from Ontor Village side. This route is among lesser-known routes for Nag Tibba climb and rarely taken by trekkers. We are completely avoiding the busy Pantwari side of Nag Tibba which sees nearly all trekkers and groups opting for. After touching Nag Tibba temple, the race route descends towards Bhatwari / Shrikot side for 3 kms, before turning right and taking a different approach up towards Nag Tibba top. From the top, you will take the ridgeline going towards Ghodiappa meadows, that heads up towards the 2nd summit of Lurntsu Peak. After Lurntsu, you descend down and head towards Deolsari rest house, which is also the Finish line of the race.
The 16 Km category will start from the Deolsari forest area and move towards Lurntsu peak. It traverses the ridge touching Lurntsu 1 & 2, and descends back down the same path to Deolsari.
The overall time limits for both categories are mentioned below. For those who have done the Indrahar and the Sethan Dome, this route is very different in terrain makeup, and comprises more of forest trails that are more dirt trails and is much less rocky in comparison.
Anyone signing up for the SUMMIT RUN Lurntsu must go through this important information related to race planning and logistics. Please click here to review and understand in detail
Should have completed a half marathon distance in training or an event in the last 6 months, with a valid run data file to show.
Q) What is Summit Run Lurntsu Circuit? A run or a trek?
A) The event is essentially a trail run over two summits, which puts it in the league of speed ascending / sky running category among trail runs. It’s not a trek. You are covering the same distance and taking the same trail as trekkers do, but putting the effort to cover it in a much shorter duration.
Q) How high does the route go?
A) The TWO high points of Nag Tibba & Lurntsu top are – ~3023 M & ~2550 M respectively. Level 1 (16 km), only touches the Lurntsu top. While the 42 KM Trail Marathon, touches both the Nag Tibba and Lurntsu Top.
Q) I am a trekker, not into running, can I do this?
A) If you are into short hikes and do not have much experience in multi-day treks, 16 Km trail is something you can go for. The Trail Marathon category is more suited for people with running & trail running experience, but experienced trekkers and mountaineers who have the experience of putting in long hours on the trail can definitely go for it.
Q) How is the route/terrain like?
A) The average elevation of the SUMMIT RUN Lurntsu Circuit is about 1800-2000 M, and the entire route falls just below the alpine zone within the tree line. Starting from the Deolsari Forest reserve to Nag Tibba top and traversing across the rideline, you will run on well-kept forest trails that cross through dense forests and open meadows. Certain sections of the trail will be rocky presenting technical challenges and very small sections of scree on descents.
Q) Is the terrain & elevation more difficult than Indrahar?
A) Compared to the two other routes in the SUMMIT RUN series, the Lurntsu Circuit is easy on the altitude, but equally challenging on the elevation in its own way. The trail has a decent amount of ascent and a nearly equal amount of descent. Happening in December, runners will face overall colder temperatures compared to Indrahar & Sethan. With chances of crossing snow covered sections around the Nag Tibba top.
Q) When will the entries close?
A) We plan to close the entries by early November to start our final prep. For the event. We advise on signing up soon and making your travel arrangements in time to Dehradun & back to your city.
Q) Where should I book my accommodation?
A) The entry fee includes one night accommodation at the start location along with meals. There will be an optional pickup & drop on offer from Dehradun to Deolsari (start location) and back. You can choose to come to Dehradun a day before the transport, or arrive on the day of transport, which is 6th December ’24. After the race finishes, you will be dropped back in Dehradun by late evening, and we recommend making your stay arrangements in Dehradun for the 7th December night.
Q) How to reach Dehradun?
A) Dehradun is accessible via road from New Delhi (5-6 hrs drive) and has multiple buses running between the two cities at different times. Flight – Jolly Grant airport, near Rishikesh and Dehradun, is the nearest airport with good flight connectivity from various cities. For all those coming from south, central, east, northeast, or west India, check for direct flights to Dehradun. In case your city doesn’t have a direct connection, you can also fly to Delhi and take a bus to Dehradun. Delhi people can take the early morning Shatabdi to Dehradun or an overnight train.
Q) what kind of gear / equipment do i need?
A) Here’s a list of mandatory gear category wise for the upcoming Summit Run.
Category 1 – 16 Kms
1) Trail Running Shoes
2) Rain Jacket / Poncho
3) Handheld sipper – 500 ml / Waist belt with two bottles
4) Whistle
5) Sunglasses (recommended)
6) Insulation layer – fleece / light down jacket
Category 2 – Trail Marathon (42 kms)
1) Trail Running shoes
2) Rain Jacket / Poncho
3) Head Torch w/ spare batteries
4) Hydration Pack with at least 1.5-2 Ltr water bladder
5) Whistle
6) Sunglasses (recommended)
7) Emergency Blanket
8) Insulation layer – Fleece or light down jacket.
You may carry a hiking pole as well if you prefer and are used to it.
Q) What kind of temperatures to expect in December?
A) December months are start of the peak winter season in the mountains, and you can expect minimum temps of zero to Minus 1 C around the early morning start & night at the camp. During the race under a clear sunny sky, temps would hover between 6-10 degree C, with windchill being an important factor.
