Second 'Run the Rann' desert race to be held between Feb 6 & 9

Set against the silver-white landscape of India's biggest salt desert, the Great Rann of Kutch, the second edition of 'Run the Rann', an ultra trail foot race will take place between February 6 and 9.
Around 150 national and international athletes are expected to take part in the race.
According to Gujarat Tourism Minister Saurabh Patel, the race would promote the ancient city of Dholavira, situated in Khadir-Bet (island), as a major tourist destination.
"Dholavira was the sixth largest city of the Indus valley civilisation, which is older than the Egyptian pyramids," Patel said during a press conference here.
"Dholavira is the place where sports tourism and eco-tourism can be promoted through such events. Through 'Run the Rann' race, we aim to project Dholavira as well as Gujarat as an ideal tourist destination," he added.

The first edition of the event had three races- 21 km, 42 km and 101 km. This time, one more category has been added, under which athletes will have to run for 161 km in the desert terrain.

"Race for 101 km would take 30 hours, while the 161 km one would require at least two days to finish. This segment will cover the entire island. There will not be any markers on the route for the 101 km and 161 km races. Runners will be given GPS navigation system to make it to the finishing line," the minister said.

He also said that participants will include a mix of amateur as well as professional runners from across the globe.
"So far, around 15 international athletes from seven countries have registered themselves for the race. We have appointed France-based ultra trail runner Gael Couturier as the race director," Patel said.