Run The Rann
Main Roles
- Ideation, conceptualization and planning of India's first and only single circuit footrace with the objective of boosting sports tourism in Gujarat and promote the state as a formidable destination for ultra trail sports to international audiences
- Identification of 313 Kms of route in one of the world's largest salt deserts, The Great White Rann of Kutch
- Classification of trail in various distance formats for appealing to variety of runners
- Planning & provision for end-to-end logistics and hospitality of runners including on-route aid stations
Approach & Execution
Behind-the-scenes
Of one of Asia's 7 must run races
Manpower
Engagement of 200+ professionals,segregated into teams to handle various aspects of the event
Identifying Terrain
Our technical team spent countless hours under the relentless heat of Kutch's Great White Desert to chalk out different trails for all 3 segments. Careful consideration was given to the fact that the trails never loop, which is the signature USP of the event as India's First Single Circuit Footrace.
Publicity
Starting from a press conference, we made sure that the event was publicized amongst elite athlete fraternities. Advertisements in popular newspapers were given, an interactive social media platform via Facebook was created and technical & social media teams even personally engaged several international professional athletes. In depth articles and advertisements were given in magazines like Asia Trail. The event was further marketed amongst runners' clubs. A dedicated website was also created for athletes to learn more about the race and register online.
Registrations, payments and BIB allocation
All registrations were done online including payments for the convenience of every one. All systems were created and managed in-house for the purpose of ensuring privacy and data security of all participants. BIB numbers were assigned on the basis of race segments and were handed out on-site.
Transport
We provided all athletes with transport facility from Ahmedabad to Dholavira and back. Pickups were also arranged for international athletes from railway stations/airports.
Accommodation
40 fully furnished tents were set up in the middle of the desert to ensure all athletes were accommodated in comfort.
Food and Supplies
Services of a special catering company were rendered to provide all athletes as well as staff members at the base camp with fresh, nutritious and hygienic food.
Aid Stations
Over 22 Aid stations were set up to replenish athletes during their journey, with ample food, nutrition and water supplies. Lunch and dinner services were also provided at certain designated aid stations.
Finisher Medals
A signature finisher's medals were awarded to all finishing participants, along with a certificate of completion.
Impact
- India's first and only single circuit foot race (No loop race)
- 313 Kms of rugged terrain segregated in various distance segments
- Reckoned as one of Asia's 7 must run races
- Featured in Asia Trail Magazine as one of the most prominent races of the world
- India's first UTMB Qualifying race
- Winner of Wow Awards Asia and Gujarat Tourism Awards
- Highest participated race in 100+K ultra trail distance category
- First desert footrace of India
- The only race of the country to feature 135 mile (201K) distance