Goal
This was supposed to be a first known attempt of running the inner ring road of New Delhi. Doing the fastest time was never the goal. We simply want to create local FKT loops around the New Delhi region and showcase that running is far beyond races and events.
Start Details
We started early, around 4:30 AM from Defence Colony service lane, close to Mahajan Imaging Centre.
Route Description
Single full loop of the inner ring road (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) of New Delhi.
The Delhi ring road is a road loop around the "core areas" of the city and is one of the most popular ways to get around. It's a non-stop loop connect with flyovers and underpasses for motorized vehicles, with few traffic lights and interruptions. Runners can avoid several flyovers by utilizing the side lanes. Some sections of the loop, especially on the return journey (Red Fort side till Ashram) has pedestrian pathways.
Run Type
I'm categorizing this run under "self-supported" since aid from a friend was unplanned (sheer coincidence) and was "not from any pre-arranged people" (as per FKT Guidelines). I had to purchase some water along the way since my bladder had leaked.
Note: An unsupported effort is certainly possible for this loop.
Route Facilities and Support
There are very few (almost no) public restrooms on the ring road after Dhaula Kuan (till almost Ashram chowk i.e. 75% of the loop), so if you may have to use the bushes. Not too many vendors selling water etc. along the route either, especially early in the morning.
Run Direction
We decided to run the loop in clockwise direction. This would help us cover the "uglier" sections on the first half of the loop first plus we would be running against the sun during the second half of the loop.
Notes:
- We ran along the traffic for about 20K, which was the "wider" side since it was the outer side of the road loop. This would've resulted in 1 km of extra distance. After 20K (approximately), we moved towards the inner side of the road loop i.e. we were now running against the traffic. Remaining part was mostly, but not entirely covered on the inner side. I sometimes took the "wider" side to run under tree cover and to keep myself from overheating.
- The original gpx file created by Kshitish included some flyovers (around ITO and around DND start point) which I avoided as I could run straight through those sections.
Weather Conditions
Running in mid-August, at a time of peak humidity was always going to be a challenge.
Starting temperature (estimated): 31 Degrees Celcius / 65-70% humidity
Ending temperature (estimated): 34-35 Degrees Celcium / 70-80% humidity
Mostly overcast during the first half with light / medium sun exposure during the second half of the run. The sun exposure along with the humidity made it extremely hot and difficult.
Performance Summary
Moving time: 4:59:26 @ 6:12 mins/km
Total time: 5:51:23 @ 7:17 mins/km
Gear
Hydration pack with 1.8L bladder (that leaked!), 2X 500 mL, headlamp, red light tail blinker (on my waist -- rear side), mask (COVID times), sunglasses, running hat
Fueling
Hydration bladder with sports energy drink, soft flasks with water, 1X Unived Ultra Butter, 2X granola / energy bars, 4X Unived energy gels, 3X Unived Salt pills, 1X banana
Run Experience
My friend, Kshitish and I had decided to attempt this a few weeks back, though, this had been on my mind for several years (just didn't make an effort to plan for it). I was not feeling it from the get go but we had committed to doing it together. Both of us kept it nice and easy for the first few kilometers. Sadly, Kshitish was having a tough day and had to resort to run/walk after the first hour. I waited for him at several points since pace was a non-issue and I wanted to finish it together.
Things got tough for Kshitish and he decided to abort the attempt around 25-26K (around Azadpur turning point of the ring road). At the same time, my friend's father who stays close to home was having a medical emergency and I had to extend my stop to handle it. After several phone calls, I was blessed that a close friend was willing to take him to the hospital. With the extended delays behind me, I marched on.
Around 32 km mark, while analyzing my supplies (I was running low on hydration and forgot to carry any money), I got a call from a friend who saw me running. Fortunately, he and his wife gave me a litre of cold water + 1X banana. While refilling my hydration bladder, we realised it now had a leak! I was wondering how my bladder emptied that quickly. Perfect luck! Fortunately, I had 2X soft flasks and used them for the remainder of the attempt.
Last 20+ kms were a real push as it was getting really hot, but I could find a rhythm and run without any external interruptions. I did stop several times to take photos along the way, which added to the total time. Happy to have got it done! Nice to see the sub 5 hour moving time. I could've easily achieved a faster total time if it wasn't for the delays. Hoping to see a fast times (sub 3 hr 45 mins?) from other speedsters in the future. It's certainly not a pretty route but it's an iconic one!
Hoping this will inspire more to come up with local FKTs in their areas. Running has so much to offer if one chooses to be creative.