About (1)
Bison Ultra is still a small boutique and an exclusive event, and we may consider the ITRA certification in the future.
Race Categories (2)
OOTYULTRA is happy to allow you to make the changes to your race category.
Upgrading to a higher distance
- You must qualify for the higher race category
- You will have to pay the difference amount
- An upgraded race category can be further upgraded (ex. from 15k -> 30k -> 60k) provided you have the right qualification credentials
downgrading to a lower distance
- If you have already qualified to run the registered category, you can downgrade to a lower distance category
- Your downgraded category can’t be reversed. Ex. you can’t move from 60k -> 30k and then request to move back to 60k. In such situation you have to follow the upgrade process once again by paying the difference amount in the ticket.
The deadline for changing your race category will be 1st March
Write to info@ootyultra.com from your registered email address with the description of the changes and we will update your records.
Route, fuel & hydration (2)
The aid stations will be spaced approximately 3-4 km apart. View the Route and Elevation page for the map and the locations of the aid stations.
Visit the individual category pages to learn more.
EXPO & pre-OOTYULTRA day (3)
On the expo night, you have the option to have a high-carb vegetarian dinner best suited to fuel your OOTYULTRA and you have an option to pre-book the dinner along with the registration.
The ultramarathon runners-friendly buffet dinner will be served at the YWCA Anandagiri. You must show a copy of your event ticket with the payment reference for the buffet dinner to get the dinner.
You can deposit your baggage with change-over clothes at the start line.
Your baggage will be identified against your bib number.
Your baggage will be brought to the finish line and you can collect them by showing your race bib.
You are requested not to keep any valuables in your baggage.
Important Dates (4)
The ticket transfer window is a time period when Ootyultra runners are allowed to make the following changes without any additional charges
- Transfer the ticket to another runner. 60k & 90k runners must meet the event qualification requirments
- Upgrade or downgrade their tickets to different categories while respecting the qualification requirements
Write to info@ootyultra.com from your registered email address to make use of this facility.
The actual dates ticket transfer window is from 1-Nov to 10-Mar. Post this period additional charges may be applicable depending on the nature of the change requested.
28 February, or whenever the entry limit is reached.
We will open the Charity registrations between 1-Mar to 10-Mar
The Sixth edition of OOTYULTRA 2023 is scheduled for 2-Apr-2022, Sunday
Edition # | Year | Date | 90k runners | 60k runners | 30k runners | 15k runners |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | First Edition – 2018 | 29-Apr, Sunday | 67 | 100 | 100 | |
02 | Second Edition – 2019 | 07-Apr, Sunday | 110 | 300 | 300 | |
03 | The 3rd edition planned on 05-Ap, Sunday was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic | 05-Apr, Sunday | 8 | 396 | 366 | 152 |
04 | 4th edition – The Spirit of #ultramalaivasi virtual run | 1-Apr to 4-Apr 2021 | 12 | 65 | 210 | 282 |
At the START (4)
The scheduled start time for the 90k will be 6.00 am.
The scheduled start time for the 60k, 30k & 15k will be 6.30 am.
You can deposit your baggage with change-over clothes at the start line.
Your baggage will be identified against your bib number.
Your baggage will be brought to the finish line and you can collect them by showing your race bib.
You are requested not to keep any valuables in your baggage.
Starting point: Last Shola Cottage
Finish point: Heavens Ledge Campsite
Runners participating in Bison Ultra will be staying in the following properties
- Last Shola Cottage
- Heavens Ledge Campsite – in tents
- Srinivasa Lodge & Resorts
Yes, our timing partner will provide this support. There will be two timing mats, one at the start and one at the finish point for all categories of runners.
- The finish point timing mat will also serve as a intermediate timing mat at the 15k, 30k & 60k for the 90k runners
- The finish point timing mat will also serve as a intermediate timing mat at the 15k & 30k for the 60k runners
- The finish point timing mat will also serve as a intermediate timing mat at the 15k for the 30k runners.
At the FINISH (4)
There will be no prize money for the podium finishers. However, our sponsors and partners may give away some goodies to the top finishers.
Starting point: YWCA Anandagiri
Finish point: Government Tea Park, Battarkambai) ~8.3 km away from the start
Shuttle buses will take you back to Ooty town after your run.
Yes, all finishers (within the cut-off) will receive an update to view and download the PDF copy of your Bison Ultra finisher certificate after 5 days of completion.
No, your time is recorded manually at the check points and at the finish.
Travel & Accommodation (4)
You can reach Yercaud by road. If you plan to fly, the nearest airports are Coimbatore (230 km away), and you must travel by road.
See the travel section for more information.
- Go for a ride around the loop road (~36 km) is a beautiful scenic route where you can explore the quiet surroundings of Yercaud Hill Station.
- There are options available for you to do Adventure Sports at multiple places (activities like high rope and zip line)
- A couple of places offer you ATV (All Terrain Vehicle ride experiences)
- Enjoy the boat house right next to the Yercaud 5 roads junction
- The month of April is the most amazing time to visit Ooty. It is also the beginning of the summer season and many tourists flock that time.
- Min 12 Deg. C and max 23 deg. C. Weather with a feel of 28 deg. C.
- Check the online weather bulletins for information on latest weather info in Ooty around Race Day
To maintain the exclusivity of Bison Ultra runners participating in Bison Ultra would have to choose accommodation from the following properties
- Last Shola Cottage
- Heavens Ledge Campsite – in tents
- Srinivasa Lodge & Resorts
Registration & cancellation (7)
Can I change my race category after registration?
OOTYULTRA is happy to allow you to make the changes to your race category.
Upgrading to a higher distance
- You must qualify for the higher race category
- You will have to pay the difference amount
- An upgraded race category can be further upgraded (ex. from 15k -> 30k -> 60k) provided you have the right qualification credentials
downgrading to a lower distance
- If you have already qualified to run the registered category, you can downgrade to a lower distance category
- Your downgraded category can’t be reversed. Ex. you can’t move from 60k -> 30k and then request to move back to 60k. In such situation you have to follow the upgrade process once again by paying the difference amount in the ticket.
The deadline for changing your race category will be 1st March
Write to info@ootyultra.com from your registered email address with the description of the changes and we will update your records.
We regret to say that the group registration/bulk registration feature is currently not available
No other person can run with your BIB. However, you can transfer it officially to another qualified runner. Write to info@ootyultra.com if you need any further assistance.
The Bison Ultra route for all distances categories is measured using standard GPS watches and not accurate distances. Visit the individual run category pages listed below to know more about the accuracy of the route.
NOTE: With these distance inaccuracies in mind, we have carefully chosen the cut-off time to help most runners achieve their finish goals 50k and 25k categories. Runners are requested not to rely on their GPS markers but to follow the kilometre sign boards kept at an interval of 2 kilometres throughout the course
Your ticket is non-refundable. However, you can transfer it to another runner within the Ticket-Transfer window. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions to learn more.
Follow the registration page to learn more
The deadline for fixing any mistakes, changing any personal particulars, or even transferring your ticket to another qualified runner will be 1 of March
Write to info@ootyultra.com from your registered email address with the description of the changes and we will update your records.
Qualification (8)
Write to info@ootyultra.com with links to your Strava or Garmin online profile along with the following qualification run history.
- You must submit a link your running record, with your Heart Rate information, to a half marathon distance completed within 3 hrs to qualify for OOTYULTRA 30k
- You must submit a link your running record, with your Heart Rate information, to a full marathon distance completed within 5 hrs 50 min to qualify for OOTYULTRA 60k
Your qualification run must have been completed after 1-Aug
We may consider giving you entry if your records are satisfactory. You will have to pay an additional fee of Rs. 500 + 18% GST for the manual review efforts, if we agree to provide you with an entry. This will be decided on a case-to-case basis.
We suggest you complete the manual review and receive a confirmation before you buy the entry ticket
Your registration money will not be refunded if you do not qualify or your category will be downgraded to 15k without any refund.
You can include your qualifying ultramarathon run after 1-Aug details, distance category, and finish times during your registration. You must have completed the ultramarathon distance within the official cut-off time specified by the race organizers. A DNF status is not accepted.
The 90k, 60k and 30k runners must complete the distance within the cut-off time in order to receive the personalized laser-cut medal at the finish.
The 90k runners will not be allowed to proceed to run if they arrive into the 60k & 30k checkpoint outside of the cut-off time set for 60k & 30k categories. You will be marked DNF (Did Not Finish) and no other category finisher medal will be awarded.
The 60k runners will not be allowed to proceed to run if they arrive into the 30k checkpoint line outside of the cut-off time set for 60k & 30k categories. You will be marked DNF and no other category finisher medal will be awarded.
All runners completing the race outside the cut-off time will be marked “outside the time limit” or a DNF status in the race results.
There is no cut-off time for the 15k runners. However, the last mobile aid-station (approx. 12k) before the finish will be operational only for 2 hr 30 min.
- This category is created to encourage first timers who are regularly running, active and fit
- Must be capable of running or walking for 2-3 hrs continuously
The cut-off time to finish the 30k in 5 hrs 30 mins. There is no cut-off at 15k for the 30k runners.
- Half Marathon completed within 3 hr 00 min after 1-Aug.
- An official event timing records MUST be submitted
- The timing records can be submitted/updated after the registration is done but before 1-Mar
- Alternatively, you can submit your full marathon or an ultramarathon race, or any ultramarathon, as a qualification and must be completed after 1-Aug. You must have officially completed the distance within the cut-off time specified by the race organizer
- Your qualification half marathon will not be accepted if the time is not within 3 hr 00 min. Alternatively, you can submit a full marathon finished within the cut-off time specified by the marathon organizers (from your qualification race).
All your qualification races must have been run after 1-Aug. If you decide to run your qualification race after registering for the OOTYULTRA, you are allowed to submit the qualification race records on or before 1-Mar. We strongly recommend you send us the qualification race information as soon as possible and avoid the automatic downgrading of your category to 15k.
IMPORTANT –> Your registration will not be confirmed if your timing qualifications do not meet the standards. No refund will be provided if you do not qualify. All the participants must be fit, healthy, and must be running regularly.
The cut-off time to finish the 60k is 10 hr 30 min to finish and 5 hr 30 mins at 30k. There is no cut-off at the 15k for the 60k runners.
- A minimum of one timed Full Marathon distance (42.2 km) completed after 1-Aug within 5 hr 50 min and the timing record MUST be submitted. Only for the Ootyultra 2022 edition we will accept virtual run records – you must submit the GPS data recorded during the run.
- Alternatively, you can submit your Ultramarathon race, any distance run above 50km, as a qualification and must be completed after 1-Aug. You must have officially completed the 50k run within the cut-off time specified by the race organizer.
- Your qualification full marathon will not be accepted if the time is not within 5 hr 50 min.
All your qualification races must have been run after 1-Aug. If you decide to run your qualification race after registering for the OOTYULTRA, you are allowed to submit the qualification race records on or before 10-Mar. We strongly recommend you send us the qualification race information as soon as possible and avoid the automatic downgrading of your category to 30k.
IMPORTANT –> Your registration will not be confirmed if your timing qualifications do not meet the standards. No refund will be provided if you do not qualify. All the participants must be fit, healthy, and must be running regularly.
OOTYULTRA is a tough race due to its steep climbs and downhill terrain. Added this challenge you will be facing the sharp winter month sun during the day time. Most first-time runners may find it extremely difficult to run. Hill running, in general, can be very technical and challenging but through experience one can gain mastery. Considering the above, OOTYULTRA has set minimum qualification conditions for participation.
Cut-off time
Distance | 15k | 30k | 60k | 80k | 90k – finish |
Time from the start | 2:00:00* | 4:10:00* | 8:45:00 | 10:50:00 | 11:59:59 |
- This event category is only by invitation
- Runners who have completed the past editions (this is subject to change, watch the official qualification announcements after the registration opens) of OOTYULTRA in sub 7 hr 45 min directly qualify
- Other ultra runners who are interested must submit the form published on the 90k category information page with your expression of interest to run while attaching your ultramarathon credentials.
All your qualification races must have been run in the last year. If you decide to run your qualification race after registering for the OOTYULTRA, you are allowed to submit the qualification race records on or before 1-Mar.
IMPORTANT –> Your registration will not be confirmed if your timing qualifications do not meet the standards. No refund will be provided if you do not qualify.
All the participants must be fit, and healthy, and must be running regularly.