CTM15 Running Route, Terrain, Trail, Refreshments, Food Coupon & Running Tips




Thursday, September 10, 2015
Running Route

The map below shows the complete 21K running track around the Cholavaram Lake, finalized for CTM 2015. This 21K loop includes a wide variety of terrain, resulting in a more enjoyable running experience for the runners.  HM (21K) runners will complete a single loop, FM (42K) /Ultra (50K) runners will run the loop twice and Ultra runners will add another 4K linear stretch (U-turn) on top of the dam. The running route will be marked with white paint along the trail. Mile markers and direction markers will be placed along the route. 
Aid/refreshment stations are deployed at approx. every 2K (+/- 500m) and you will be crossing 10 aid stations along the entire 21K loop. Start and finish are at the GOJAN college campus grounds. 

Familiarize yourself with this route:



Terrain & Trail

The 21K running route is a multi-terrain marvel - the runner will pass across dams, through cashew farms, inside canyons, through paddy-fields, small villages, sand trails through dry river beds and across vast grass lands. The trail is a mix of hard dirt track, red soil with small gravel, sand trails, a bit of tar road and grass land. It is slightly uneven in some places and there is a small elevation drop/gain in several sections. Running on an uneven trail requires more presence of mind from the runner (especially FM/Ultra runners in the dark) to stay balanced. Do not venture off the trail into any surrounding water bodies or greenery. Barefoot running is not recommended as there is a 2K stretch with hard gravel near the canyons. (Refer picture below)



Hard Gravels:

Maintaining Cleanliness:


Runners are advised not to throw any cups, wrappers (chocolate/gels), other waste either on the trail or inside water bodies. Use the waste bins kept near the refreshment points. Cholavaram tank is one of the well maintained tank and major supplier of drinking water to the people of Chennai city. Therefore, requesting the co-operation from the runners to maintain the cleanliness of the tank and the trail.  


Cut-off: 

Eligibility for Medal / Certificate
Inline images 1

Finishing

Runners completing their run within the above Cut-off timings will receive a CTM15 finishing medal. Separate post-run rankings will be published for male/female under the below mentioned categories:

  • Open (16-42 years)
  • Veteran (43+ years)

We will also provide e-certificates within a few days after the event with your finish timing. Note that completing a marathon is more important then winning. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel exhausted or have any body pains.


Refreshments

Our aid stations will be equipped with below items:
  • Water
  • Gatorade
  • Banana, Mosambi
  • Snickers, groundnut bars
  • Lemon, salt
  • First aid/Volini
  • Boiled potatos, [FM/Ultra runners - 2nd loop]
If you require any other refreshments while running then please arrange the same yourself.


Food Coupon

One meal (either Breakfast or Lunch on Sunday) is included in the Registration fee for Runners of all categories. Food Coupons need to be ordered for other cases as mentioned below using this link http://goo.gl/forms/RpqzTWR9M8:
  • Saturday dinner (12 Sep): For runners, accompanying friends and relatives, planning to stay overnight at the venue (Dinner will be served between 7:00 - 9:00 pm)
  • Sunday breakfast (13 Sep): For accompanying friends + relatives only. For runners it is included in registration. (Breakfast will be served between 9:00 - 11:00 am)
  • Sunday Lunch (13 Sep): For Runners (who have taken Breakfast), accompanying friends + relatives. For Runners who may complete the Marathon after 11:00 am, Lunch will be served as part of the Registration, since Breakfast would have been closed by that time. (Lunch will be served between 11:30 - 1:30 pm)
We request you to carefully think before you submit this form so we can make the necessary food arrangements accordingly.
Food coupons can be collected during BIB collection. Payment shall be made by Cash at that time.
Must Carry

We recommend runners to carry following items:
  • Attach your BIB to your running t-shirt, ensure that the Timing chip is properly attached to the BIB.
  • Write an emergency number (wife, parent, relative...) on the back of your BIB
  • Torch - must for Ultra and FM runners
  • Sun protection (cap, sun screen). Depending on the weather we can expect hot sun in the open location after 8am
  • Hydration belt to carry additional water in between the aid stations [as you require]

Trail Tips
a.     The terrain is not same:
We call it as the multi terrain marvel. Therefore, running in the trail has its own unique challenges and be watchful and alert while running on the trail. 

b.    Find your rhythm:
Running off road can be exhausting, focus on finding the rhythm until you sense of being one with the terrain. 
c.     Run with a buddy:
If you are not aiming at a podium finish or personal best, run with a buddy so that you can be safe inside the trails.
d.    Keep your eyes on the trail:
It can be tempting to look at the nature around you, but doing so can quickly lead to tripping and falling it is advisable to keep your eyes on the trail. 
e.     Taste the Chennai Canyons:
It is best to avoid comparing your pace, as you will be slower than your normal road-running pace. Instead, slow your pace and develop a trail tempo.
f.      Sport with your Trail shoes:
If you have a pair of trail running shoes sport with them. They reduces the chance of ankle rolls with a high heel. 
 
g.    Accessorize.
It is advisable to apply sunscreen, wear your sunglasses, cap/hat or carry a piece of white cotton cloth to cover yourself when the sun is pretty hard after 8 a.m.
 

Running Tips
1)    Ensure that your toenails are trimmed. Keep ready your race kit (t-shirt and shorts), hydration belt the previous night itself. 
2)    If you are prone to chafing, apply Vaseline/petroleum jelly wherever muscle rubs (nipples, inner thighs).
3)    Do not have anything unusual the night before the run. You might like to have something very light like a banana or a slice of bread about 1 hour before the run.
4)    Please ensure to do dynamic stretch before and after the run. Our physio will be leading a warm up and cool down sessions. Post run walk for a while and do static stretches to relax your muscles. 
5)    Line yourself according to your estimated finishing time. Faster runners should line up in front and slower runners, joggers/ walkers should take their place at the back. 
6)    Do not sprint. Pace yourself comfortably. You should be able to carry on a conversation while running.
7)    Do not obstruct the runners behind you. If you choose to slow down/ walk, move to the left of the trail, giving way for the faster runners to overtake you.
8)    Hydrate yourself well but do not over-hydrate. Do not gulp too much water all at once. Consume water sip by sip, just enough to replenish lost fluids. Along with water, also have some solids (biscuits/ bananas) and/ or electrolyte.
9)    Listen to your body. If for any reason you feel you cannot continue, there is no shame in throwing the towel. Please walk slowly to the nearest refreshment point and inform our volunteers that you need assistance. We have ambulance and Doctors in case of emergency separately for adults and kids. 
10) Don't throw paper cups inside the dam / greenery. Use the waste bins kept near the refreshment points. If required, put reflective tape on your running gear. 
11) Study the course so you know what to expect. Where are the turns, uphills, downhills or flats? How many aid stations? Where are they located?

12) Go to bed early. If you're nervous about waking up in the morning, set multiple alarms


Assistance

Trained volunteers will be present at the start/finish venue and at specific aid stations to help out runners with any running related injuries.
In case of any emergency please immediately notify the volunteers at a nearby aid station.
Our Sports Physio team will provide pre-run warm-up, post-run cool-down and assist with any sports related injuries at the start/finish venue and specific aid stations.

Photography

A dedicated team of CTC photographers will be covering the event along the entire running route, finish line and finish podium
Photos will be shared for free within same/next day post-event on our Facebook Page


Running Partners


 
We wish to thank our partners below for their association with and support for CTM 2015:



Organizer

The Chennai Trail Marathon is a non-profit initiative by the Chennai Trekking Club to create awareness on sports, health and active lifestyle
More details on various sports and outdoor activities organized by this group can be found on our web-site: www.chennaitrekkers.org

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