Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – USF Half Marathon Pauri 2026
1. Who can participate in the USF Half Marathon Pauri 2026?
This is an Open Marathon and participants from all across India are welcome to participate.
However, prize money is only applicable for participants holding an Aadhaar Card with an Uttarakhand address.
The minimum age required to participate is 15 years.
2. Are there different age categories in the marathon?
No. There are no age-based categories in the marathon.
3. What race categories are available?
The following race categories are available:
- 21 KM (Men & Women)
- 10 KM (Men & Women)
- 5 KM (Women Only)
4. What is the prize money for the 21 KM category?
For both Men and Women:
- 1st Position: ₹51,000
- 2nd Position: ₹21,000
- 3rd Position: ₹11,000
5. What is the prize money for the 10 KM category?
For both Men and Women:
- 1st Position: ₹21,000
- 2nd Position: ₹11,000
- 3rd Position: ₹5,100
6. Is there any prize money for the 5 KM category?
No. The 5 KM category is only for women and does not have any prize money.
7. Will all participants receive prize money?
No. Prize money is only applicable for participants whose Aadhaar Card address belongs to Uttarakhand.
After the race, Aadhaar Cards will be digitally downloaded and verified through the official UIDAI website.
8. What will participants receive?
Participants will receive:
- Prize money as per category (Only for Uttarakhand Aadhaar Card holders)
- Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions
- Medals for all finishers within the cut-off time
- Certificates for all finishers within the cut-off time
- T-Shirts for all participants
9. Is there any registration fee?
No. Registration for the marathon is completely free.
10. What is the reporting time and race schedule?
- Reporting Time: 6:00 AM
- Bib Distribution: 6:15 AM
- Runner Briefing: 6:30 AM
- Race Start Time: 6:45 AM
The timings mentioned above are currently scheduled for the event. In case of any slight changes, all participants will be informed a few days in advance through the official WhatsApp group.
11. Will there be timing chips in the bibs?
Yes. Timing chips will be provided in the bibs for accurate race timing.
12. What is the starting point, finishing point, and route of the marathon?
All races will start and finish at the campus of Ghurdauri Engineering College.
5 KM Route
Participants will run 2.5 KM towards Bhuvneshwari Devi Temple and then return back to the campus.
10 KM Route
Participants will run 5 KM towards Khandyusain and then return back to the campus.
21 KM Route
Participants will run 10.5 KM towards Circuit House Pauri and then return back to the campus.
13. What is the elevation of the marathon route?
- Ghurdauri Elevation: Approx. 1800 meters (5905 feet)
- Pauri Elevation: Approx. 1765 to 1850 meters (5800 to 6100 feet)
The route remains almost at the same elevation and offers a unique hill running experience.
14. What is the cut-off time for each category?
- 5 KM: 60 Minutes
- 10 KM: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
- 21 KM: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
15. How much time will the marathon event take?
- Race Duration: Approx. 3.5 Hours
- Prize Distribution & Ceremony: Approx. 1.5 Hours
16. Is this a timed race?
Yes. This is a timed race.
17. Will refreshments and hydration support be available?
Yes. Refreshments and hydration support will be available for participants.
18. Will finishers receive medals and certificates?
Yes. All participants who complete the race within the cut-off time will receive finisher medals and certificates.
19. Will all participants receive T-Shirts?
Yes. All registered participants will receive T-Shirts.
20. Will accommodation be provided?
No. Participants will have to arrange their own accommodation.
However, participants who need help with accommodation can contact the organizing team for hotel contact numbers and assistance.
21. Will medical facilities be available during the marathon?
Yes. Medical facilities and ambulances will be arranged by USF during the event.
22. Are participants responsible for their own health condition?
Yes. All participants will be solely responsible for their own health condition.
All participants are required to sign a declaration form. Participants who do not sign the declaration will still be considered to have declared themselves medically fit and participating at their own risk.
Although USF will arrange medical facilities and ambulances, participants acknowledge that they are participating at their own risk. USF will not be held responsible for any medical complications.
23. What makes the USF Half Marathon Pauri 2026 special?
This is not just a marathon. It is a movement to promote sports, fitness, and youth development in Uttarakhand.
One of the most unique aspects of the event is that ex-servicemen will conduct guidance and counseling sessions for youth aspiring to join the Army and Armed Forces, covering everything from entry-level recruitment to officer-level opportunities.
One Response
What will we get in refreshment?