The DivyaSree Nandi Hills Monsoon Run is just around the corner, promising a unique and challenging experience. The 1st Edition of the DivyaSree Nandi Hills Monsoon Run is scheduled for August 10, 2025.
The event is set in the scenic, and historic backdrop of Nandi Hills, a popular weekend destination near Bengaluru. Runners can expect monsoon views and cooler weather conditions typical of the season.
Note on Weather: Weather is expected to be pleasant with possible light monsoon showers which is typical of early August. You can expect a cool monsoon breeze and the refreshing possibility of rain to add to the experience.
The organisers are committed to making this a Green Run, encouraging eco-friendly practices. The event has adopted the tagline: ‘Run into the Clouds, Race with the Rain.’
The course is defined by significant elevation changes. This course is challenging - be it a 10K or HM. It is an out-and-back course with 465 meters of elevation gain in the first half for the HM and 224 of elevation gain for the 10K.
The first few kilometres are relatively gentle, but don’t be fooled! The real test begins as you start the main ascent of Nandi Hills. The key strategy for this race is to conserve energy in the beginning and be prepared for a long, grinding climb. But what goes up must come down, so you’ll have downhill sections to recover and make up time.
The race begins early. As you arrive at the base of Nandi Hills for the 5:30 AM reporting time, the air will be cool and thick with anticipation. The flag-off at 6:30 AM for the Half Marathon and 7:00 AM for the 10KM, sends you off into the dawn.
For the first few kilometres, you’ll be running with a sea of fellow enthusiasts, the excitement palpable. But soon, the pack will spread, and it will be you, against the hill.
P.S.: For the 10K run, refer Km 1 to 5 and Km 16 to 21 (10k runners, don’t get too adventurous to fly into the clouds. Please take the “U” turn at the 5 km mark – look out for route marshals to guide you.
Pacing strategy Summary
Unlike flat courses, a steady pace will not be ideal here. The course profile shows a distinct long uphill section followed by a long downhill section.
Negative Split is Unavoidable: You will run the first half significantly slower than the second. Plan for it.
Run by Effort, Not by Pace: On the climb, ignore your watch’s pace reading. Focus on maintaining a consistent, manageable effort level. Walk the steepest sections if you have to; there’s no shame in it.
Attack the Downhill (Smartly): The descent is where you can gain a lot of time, but a fall can end your race. Be aggressive but cautious.
Fuelling: Take hydration and fuel at the aid stations. The humidity and effort will take a toll.
Cut-off: Remember the 4-hour cut-off time for the Half Marathon & 3- hour for 10Km A steady climb and a swift descent will see you finish comfortably within it.
The course is an out-and-back course. The first half is a relentless, winding ascent to the top.
Km 1: The Deceptive Calm (Descent: 21m) : The race begins with a gentle downhill. While this section may feel easy, it’s important to maintain a steady, conservative effort to avoid early fatigue. Use this kilometre to settle into a comfortable rhythm and breathing pattern.
Km 2: The First Whisper of the Hill (Ascent: 10m) The road flattens and we turn to the foothills of Nandi. Notice the challenge ahead with the first minor climb. Keep your effort steady. You are still in the conservation phase. Notice the dense canopy of trees that defines the early part of this route. This is where the real race mindset begins. Your pace might slightly drop.
Km 3: The Wake-Up Call (Ascent: 42m) The pleasantries are over. The climb begins in earnest. With a sharp 42m gain, your pace will slow down significantly. Shift to a shorter, quicker stride. This is your first taste of the grind. Embrace it.
Km 4 & 5: The Grind Sets In (Ascent: 46m & 53m) Welcome to the heart of the climb. These kilometres are steep and unforgiving. Your focus should be on maintaining a consistent effort, not a specific pace. As you gain altitude, you’ll start to enter the famous Nandi mist. The world will shrink to the winding tarred road in front of you and the sound of your own breathing. If you’re running the 10K, remember this is a significant portion of your race. For Half Marathoners, it’s just about a quarter of the way.
10 Km runners
please take a U turn here, and refer Km 17 to 21 for the return back.
Km 6 - 8: The Slog Through the Clouds ( Ascent: 51m, 48m, 76 m) The Uphill Grind Continues for the Half-Marathon runners. You are now truly “running into the clouds.” The views, when the mist parts, will be breathtaking, but the effort is immense. You’ll tackle hairpin bends and long, winding stretches where the gradient feels never-ending. This is a mental battle. Break the climb down into smaller segments. Run from one bend to the next.
Km 9 & 10: Nearing the Summit (Ascent: 46m & 48m) As we cross the famous Arch of Nandi hills, we know the summit is nearby. The air is thinner, your legs are heavy, but the spirit of the event will carry you. You can feel the change in atmosphere as you approach the peak. The volunteers’ cheers will be a massive boost. Push through, the reward is just ahead.
Fatigue will be knocking on your door by Km 10. Your pace might hover. This is “grunt time”. Distract yourself by soaking in the beautiful Nandi Hills scenery. Smile for the cameras, for the clicks can’t differentiate between sweat and raindrops.
Km 10.5: The Turnaround – Queen / King of the Hill You’ve reached the summit! You’ve conquered the climb. Take a moment at the turnaround point to look back at the winding road you just defeated. This feeling is pure exhilaration. Soak in the moment before taking a ‘U’ Turn to head back down.
Km 10.5-12 : Descent – The sweet reward Now, the fun begins. Thankfully, after the significant climbs, the course offers some generous downhill stretches, allowing for recovery and picking up the pace. This is where you can make up for lost time.
Km 12-16 The Downhill Roller coaster: Your pace will increase dramatically. You’ll feel like you’re flying as you cruise down the same roads that felt so punishing just an hour ago.
Km 17-19 Ensure that the skates are on! HM runners and the remaining 10K runners will merge. Use these sections to push responsibly and make the most of the decline.
-Km 17(Descent: 49m ): 10K runners , don’t get carried away by the downhill. HM runners, stay steady and focused. Pick up your pace responsibly, and focus on recovery, both physical and mental
-Km 18(Descent: 50m) Pay close attention to your body. Use the scenic backdrop to your advantage. When fatigue hits, look around, enjoy the misty bends and lush greenery. This can be a powerful mental distraction.
-Km 19 (Descent: 47m ): The quads would be ravaged as we near the end of the descent and move towards the “flatter & final part” of the race.
Km 20 Final frontier (Descent 10m) As you exit the main hill section and hit the flatter, gentler slopes for the last few kilometres, you’ll feel a surge of energy. Your body will be asking questions with all the uphill and downhill running business. This is where your mental grit comes into play.
Km 21 The Push to the finish (Net Ascent 21m) - The final stretch, with minor undulations and a gentle rolling uphill. This is the “final frontier”. Give it everything you have left. Focus on the finish line and the excitement of completing this unique challenge.
Km 21.1 – Bolt to the finish - Go for the finish feeling like Usain bolt in a 100m dash. Don’t forget the smile as you cross the finish line.
Cover photo by Frozen Stills - CC-BY-NC-SA-2.0
Krishnan (Garry) is a passionate marathoner, frequently spotted running around GKVK in North Bangalore. A Mechie by profession and currently serves as the COO of an Italian firm. Garry channels his passion into running and is a sports enthusiast.