SRT ULTRA MARATHON
SRT stands for Sinhagad Rajgad Torna!
Introducing an Ultra Marathon on the ancient route which connects the Sinhagad-Rajgad-Torna forts, more popularly known today as “SRT”. This legendary route is the magnum opus of trail and mountain running marathon routes of Pune's Sahyadri ranges. The SRT route has been used in the past as a catalyst in commuting, trading, and farming apart from being the battleground for many kings who ruled these mountains.
The SRT is a now a heritage walk, with the magnificent Sinhagad, Rajgad and Torna forts that stand tall in between this route, telling the stories of the rich and glorious past of Pune.
In this day and age, a new stage is set - a battle to conquer these monumental Sinhagad-Rajgad-Torna forts in the form of an endurance filled Pune's first mountain running marathon!
Sinhagad Epic Trail
Sinhagad Epic Trail is a technical sky race for those with the heart of a lion taking place during the arrival of monsoon in the Sahyadri ranges. Of all the mountain forts in Maharashtra, Sinhagad, originally known as Kondhana, has been the most sought after fort for the rulers of the Sahyadri ranges. Since the past 2000 years, Sinhagad is witness to enough bloodshed between different kings owing to its heavily garrisoned fortifications, strategic importance and proximity to Pune. “The one who controls Sinhagad, controls Pune” was the mantra of the past.
The Koli tribe who are the oldest known settlers of the fort still live around the fort’s 3 major valleys namely Atkarwadi, Kalyan Gaon and Amruteshwar Met.
The famous battle of 1670 where Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare fought for his life for recapturing the fort into Chhatrapati Shivaji’s kingdom is the most told story in every household of Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj expressed the loss of his trusted general and friend by eulogising the words “Gad ala, pan Sinha gela” which translates to “we have won the fort, but lost the lion”. He renamed the fort from its old name Kondhana to Sinhagad (Lion’s Fort) in memory of this braveheart.
Today Sinhagad is a place for multiple outdoor sports activities; right from hikers, mountaineers, runners, rock climbers, adventure enthusiasts, campers, and the usual tourists visiting everyday. Owing to its near proximity to the people of Kolhapur, Satara, Mumbai, and Pune, Sinhagad is the most visited fort in Maharashtra.
Location
How to Reach
- BUS: Direct. There is an hourly bus service direct from Swargate, Jedhe square, that will drop you at the location. Bus name: Swargate to Atkarwadi, Donaje. Location: in front of Natraj Hotel.
- TRAIN: 1 change. You will have to catch a bus from Pune Railway Station to Swargate Bus Stand. Catch the direct bus from Jedhe square to Atkarwadi.
- AIRPORT: 2 changes. You will have to catch a bus from Pune Airport to Pune Railway Station. From there to Swargate Bus Stand. Catch the direct bus from Swargate Jedhe square to Atkarwadi.
- BY ROAD: Direct. Google Maps App is the best way to reach the location. Set your destination to Sinhagad Rope-Way Site Office,Aatkarwadi, where you will be guided to park your vehicle.
P.S. We recommend you to contact Kondhana Guesthouse management, if you are having any difficulty to reach the venue. The Travel expenses and Accomodation expenses are to be borne by the candidate