PNB MetLife Satara Hill Half Marathon

The PNB METLIFE SHHM is held annually in the historic city of Satara, the erstwhile capital of the Maratha Kingdom founded by the legendary Warrior King Shrimant Chhatrapati ShivajiRaje Bhosale.The PNB METLIFE SHHM is a proud member of the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) Usually held in the first half of September , the event attracts runners from all over India as well as elite athletes and running enthusiasts from all around the world.The route for the PNB METLIFE SHHM has been described in many ways by past runners. Its been called Beautiful, Scenic, Blessed with Nature’s Bounty, a run in the clouds etc…. But one thing is for sure – NO ONE has ever called it “Easy”!That's why it's known as "Ultra Half Marathon". Veterans who have run some of the most difficult distance races over the world have described this course as a tough nut to crack.It is clearly not a race to beat your own P.B (personal best / record), but if you do run this half marathon and finish it, rest assured that it will be a feather in your cap. The route is testing on the runner, but the challenge is worth it. This may not produce your personal best time, but it is very likely to be your personal best route!!!

The race is an out and back course, meaning – we start and end at the same place (The Satara Police Ground).The race starts in the heart of the historic city of Satara, the erstwhile capital of the Maratha Kingdom, winds through its snaky roads for about 3.8 kms, and then begins the steady climb on the road towards the famous Kaas – Plateau of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A breathtakingly beautiful run on a winding, twisting climb of about 3.25 km will take you to the summit of the mountain at Niwant Hill Resort (Yavateshwar). From here, it is a much welcome and relatively comfortable run on a gentle rolling course of about 3.5 km, up to the half way mark just beyond Prakruti Ayurvedic Health Resort.This resort is well known for its holistic treatment centre for chronic illnesses and Ayurvedic Panchkarma treatment and Massage therapy. But don’t start thinking of the massage yet !!! You need to run back from here, all the way to the Finish, along the same scenic route, albeit on a slope all the way down (sure to zap your quads here).

The half marathon route passes through the majestic Western Ghats (Part of the Sahyadri range of forests in Western Mahatrashtra) It is a challenging out and back run, through the hills around Satara, taking the runners on a roller coaster ride , through spectacular scenes of natural beauty.Run alongside waterfalls, through clouds, and often through light to heavy rain showers (If mother nature smiles on you on race day !)

There will be total of 14 AID STATIONS along the entire route of Half marathon event. 7 AID STATIONS on the left hand side of the road on the way out and also on the way back. Each AID STATION will be well stocked with drinking water,Electrolyte energy drink,fruits,biscuits,Pain killer sprays,ice,vaseline,Medical first Aid kits and an ambulance on standby.

Timing chips for computerised recording of your run will be provided to all runners of the HALF MARATHON [ 21.1 km ] EVENT NO timing chips for the DHAMAAL RUN. [ A Non competitive and theme based run ].