Coorg Barefoot Run

  •   Thu, Aug 27 2026
  •   By Revati Shendure

August 27, 2026

India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its running culture in recent years. Running events are now being organized across the country, offering a wide range of distances—from 5K fun runs to challenging ultra-distance races. Since taking up running, I have had the opportunity to explore and participate in various running events across different cities. Each event has its own distinct character, whether defined by elevation, popularity, scenic routes, or the unique experience it offers. 

Among the many events I have participated in, the Coorg Barefoot Run has always held a special place in my mind. Its distinctive concept, natural surroundings, and the challenge of running barefoot make it a truly unique experience in the Indian running calendar. More than just a race, it offers an opportunity to connect with the terrain, embrace the natural surroundings, and experience running in a completely different way.

The Coorg Barefoot Run is the only official barefoot run event in India with a unique theme – 'Reconnect with Mother Earth.' The event is organized by the Coorg Wellness Foundation, and the run ambassador is the renowned model and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman.

An entirely eco-friendly event where BIBs, which are worn during the run to track participants, are made from jute. Hydration stations provide water in bowls made from coconut shells. 

The run event usually begins after sunrise, but the rituals start around 5:30 am. Arriving at the venue early in the morning, in Coorg's chill weather, is a truly pleasant experience for someone from the coastal region. Once you arrive, you'll find hot jaggery coffee waiting for you in coconut shell cups, providing just the right amount of warmth to help you endure the cold. 

The event begins with a special pooja, by offering a prayer to the River Kaveri. After the prayer, a series of unique rituals are performed, where the footprints of the runners are imprinted on a white cloth using a mixture of soil and turmeric. For warm-up, traditional Coorgi instruments and dance provides an effective and invigorating preparation for the runners. 

Since the race trail passes through an elephant corridor, the full marathon flag-off occurs only after receiving green signal from the forest department unlike other official marathons. Once the run begins, the real challenge starts for non-barefoot runners. As the trail passes through a coffee estate, the path is an unpaved road, making the run quite challenging. However, for someone like me from the coastal region, it offers a heavenly experience to run in that cool, refreshing weather. 

Since it is a barefoot run, I usually participate in small distance 10K  and enjoy the beauty of nature along the way. Each finisher is awarded a medal by Milind Soman himself. Again, the unique medal made up of coconut shell. If you'd like to take a selfie with him, you must do 10 or 20 push-ups, regardless of gender. The event concludes with a special Coorg-style brunch, followed by return journey to Mangalore. 

Every time I return from a run, I look at the sores on my feet and wonder if the run was truly worth it. But then, I see the pop-up for another run event, and adrenaline rushes through my veins. I remember the cool breeze against my soaked forehead and hair, and before I know it, I find myself signing up again.

 

 

 
By Revati Shendure
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Comment on this article

  • Rita, Germany

    Thu, Aug 27 2026

    Dear madam ,nice to hear about Barefoot run.It remembers me of my younger school time running with bar foot.Sure it is a healthy sport so long your foot doesnt make problem and health.Sure at the end you are happy whether success or not.It is afterall a team work running with others.

  • Mani, Coimbatore

    Thu, Aug 27 2026

    Beautiful narration, takes the mind to participate in next year... Tella abut how the Nature is still in the stillness Superb reva... wish to u run and write for ever

  • Chandrashekhar Shetty, Mangalore

    Thu, Aug 27 2026

    Nice article, You've been into long distance running and trekking - so you are able to pen the details very clearly - I must think about participating in the event as soon as possible Sincere thanks


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