Fri Mar 07 07:30:08 UTC 2025: ## Coimbatore to Host South India’s First Backyard Ultra
**COIMBATORE, INDIA (March 7, 2025)** – South India will see its first ever Backyard Ultra race on March 22nd, bringing a unique endurance challenge to the region’s running community. Organized by Prem SB and Nithin SS, founders of the fitness startup Battle Ground, the event will take place on the Kumaraguru Institutions campus.
The Backyard Ultra format requires participants to complete a 6.7-kilometer loop within an hour, with the race continuing until only one runner remains. Those failing to complete a loop within the timeframe are eliminated, making mental fortitude as crucial as physical fitness. A shorter “Backyard 4” category, covering four loops (27 kilometers), is also offered for beginners.
With 58 participants from across South India, the race aims to make ultra-running more accessible. Prem and Nithin, both alumni of Kumaraguru College of Technology, cite the high cost of similar events in northern India as their motivation. They chose Coimbatore for its favorable weather, affordable costs, and the campus’s shaded, relatively flat running course.
Notable participants include Ankit Sharma, runner-up in the Indian Backyard Ultra record (52 hours), and Dr. Vinod Nathaniel, winner of the recent Chennai Stadium Run. The event has also attracted amateur runners from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
Organizers emphasize the unique community aspect of the Backyard Ultra. Unlike traditional marathons, family and friends can actively participate, supporting runners throughout the event. Despite relying on word-of-mouth and radio ads rather than large-scale marketing, the event has garnered significant interest, reflecting the growing running culture in Coimbatore and beyond. The race organizers hope this event will inspire more affordable and accessible ultra-running opportunities in India. Registration information is available at battlegroundindia.odoo.com/coimbatore-backyard-ultra.
First Piper 