The Taj Mahal Marathon
This exotic marathon in India brings adventurous runners from all over the world to one of
the new 7 wonders of the world – Taj Mahal. This brand new race begins in the shadow
of the impressive building and takes the runners into a part of India that very
few visitors get to see. Far away from the hustling crowds of people in Indian cities,
away from white sandy beaches, overcrowded national parks, temples and palaces,
is a pristine part of India, where life takes its own, quiet course. In these picturesque
surroundings, in Taj Mahal’s shade of eternal love, The Taj Mahal Marathon® takes
place for the first time in Adventure Marathon® history on March 8th 2008.
The marathon has its start line at Taj Khema, a hilltop with an unobstructed panorama
view to the nearby Taj Mahal. From Taj Khema, the course runs a few kilometres through
the outskirts of the city of Agra and then takes the runner into the country, where
fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Now, we are far away from the frenzied
India and can enjoy the calm, relaxed life in the small, idyllic villages. Out here,
people are living in another pace, if not in another age, than the rest of the world.
Fieldwork is carried out without any machines or modern devices, and farmers transport
their crops on carts drawn by buffalos and dromedaries. The unspoiled scenery is
completed by countless, wild peacocks and cranes, and by Indian antelopes, trying
to hide in the wheat and sunflower fields. The participants will not miss local
support either, as the curious villagers have never before had hundreds of runners
interrupt their quiet lives. A good 5 km from the finish line, Taj Mahal will appear
in the horizon, and back at the Taj Khema the magnificent sight of Taj Mahal meets
the runner at the top of the hill.
The course is relatively flat and the surface is even most of the way. But the heat
and humidity will prove challenging to even the most hard-boiled long-distance runner.
Even though March is by no means the hottest month in India, temperatures can easily
rise to 30ºC (85ºF). The harsh Indian heat gives The Taj Mahal Marathon® the extremeness,
which is one of the terms of an Adventure Marathon®. The term of extraordinary scenery
is fully fulfilled at the unique start and finish area and on the route that criss-crosses
a rural area far away from touristy and technological influences.
Plenty of water stations will supply water, electrolyte drinks and other necessaries
along the course.
Below you will find a graphical presentation of the Taj Mahal Marathon route.
View the full
Taj Mahal Marathon route map.