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 4th December ’25. After the race finishes, you will be dropped back to Dehradun by late evening, and we recommend making your stay arrangements in Dehradun for the 5th 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.
