Araku Runners training together on forest trails

Train with the tribe

Run the Valley.

Every week, we take to the trails together. No entry fee. No pace requirement. Just the mountains, the community, and the run.

What to expect

Our training runs are the heartbeat of Araku Runners. We meet at dawn, when the valley is still cool and the forest is alive. Routes change each week — sometimes a ridge traverse, sometimes a river trail, sometimes a climb through coffee plantations.

All paces welcome. Experienced runners lead the group but no one is left behind. We finish together, share chai, and plan the next one.

3

Runs per week

80+

Community members

2,000 m

Elevation gained weekly

4+

Years running together

Weekly schedule

When we run

Saturday

Long Run

Start time

5:30 AM

The main weekly run. Longer routes through forest and ridge trails. Ideal for those training for races.

12–20 km
Araku Valley Railway Station
Moderate–Hard

Sunday

Easy Run

Start time

6:00 AM

A relaxed recovery run through the valley floor. Great for beginners and those wanting a lighter effort.

6–10 km
Tribal Museum Entrance
Easy

Wednesday

Hill Repeats

Start time

5:45 AM

Structured hill training on the Galikonda ascent. Builds the strength needed for our mountain races.

8–12 km
Galikonda Viewpoint Base
Hard

Our trails

The routes we run

01

Galikonda Ridge

Hard

The crown jewel of Araku running. A demanding ridge traverse with panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats. Used in our flagship race.

14 km 820 m gain
02

Coffee Plantation Loop

Moderate

A winding trail through Araku's famous coffee estates. Fragrant, shaded, and beautiful at any pace.

8 km 320 m gain
03

Valley Floor Trail

Easy

A gentle run along the valley floor, past tribal villages and paddy fields. Perfect for newcomers to trail running.

6 km 120 m gain
04

Borra Caves Circuit

Hard

A long loop taking in the ancient Borra Caves and surrounding forest. One of the most scenic runs in the Eastern Ghats.

18 km 1,100 m gain

Free to join

Join a run

Sign up and we'll send you the next run details — meeting point, route, and what to bring.

Trail shoes (road shoes fine for easy runs)
Water — at least 500ml
A headtorch for early starts
Energy snack for longer runs