India’s Trail Running Boom: 3,000 Join Bengaluru Mountain Festival to Escape Urban Chaos

This past weekend, the Bengaluru Mountain Festival (BMF) returned for its eighth edition, drawing a record-breaking 3,000 participants to the rugged trails of Avati, near Devanahalli. As urban professionals increasingly seek an escape from the chaos of city life, trail running is emerging as a powerful way to achieve both physical fitness and mental clarity.

Runners conquer the final stretch of Bangalore Mountain Festival to the electrifying beats of tamte drums

Hosted by Mountain Festival Adventures, the event featured races across 5K, 10K, and 21K distances, attracting seasoned athletes and first-time trail runners alike. Unlike conventional road races, which test speed and endurance on flat asphalt, trail running offers a different challenge-demanding strength, focus, and adaptability while immersing runners in nature.

A Sport That Builds Both Strength and Stillness
“Trail runs are not just about physical endurance; they’re about stillness of mind,” said Yashas, Co-founder of Mountain Festival Adventures. “In nature’s embrace, participants can leave behind the chaos of city life and discover a level of calm and focus that road running simply can’t offer.”

The sentiment was echoed by Amber McIlraith, winner of the 10K women’s category, who described the race as a transformative experience. “Coming around the side of the mountain to see the valley and rocks was a sight I’ll never forget,” she said. “Trail running builds muscles you don’t work in the gym or on flat city runs. The runner’s high you get is unmatched.”

Maitreyi, another participant, found the race to be a unique test of endurance and willpower. “The moment that stood out most was nearing the finish line, thinking I had only 600 meters left, and then seeing an uphill climb ahead. The adrenaline rush from the tamte drums kept me going and made the experience unforgettable,” she shared.

For Raghav, who completed his first-ever 10K trail race, the event was about pushing limits. “I’ve run road races before, but this was a whole different beast. The inclines, the loose rocks, the unpredictability-it forced me to be present in every step,” he said.

Abhishek, a martial artist who is a regular road runner and winner of the 10k men’s category, was struck by the mental challenge of trail running. “You can’t zone out like you do on a road. Every step requires attention, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. It’s meditative in its own way,” he explained.

A Growing Community and Market

Trail running is no longer a niche activity-it’s becoming a mainstream movement. India has a growing community of 175.8 million fitness-conscious individuals, with running being one of the fastest-growing recreational sports. This trend is fueling the demand for trail running gear, training programs, and events like the Bengaluru Mountain Festival.

With trail running gaining traction globally, India is no exception. The trail running shoe market, valued at $7.8 billion, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2030, with the Asia-Pacific region leading at a 35.7% market share. According to Grand View Research, “India’s trail running shoes market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing popularity of outdoor activities and adventure sports among urban as well as rural youth.”

For many, the Bengaluru Mountain Festival has become more than just a race-it’s a community. Whether tackling steep climbs or finding moments of solitude along forested trails, participants left with more than just a medal. They walked away with a renewed sense of resilience, camaraderie, and mindfulness.

Trail Running: A Call to Adventure
Beyond the competition, the event embraced local culture, with traditional tamte drummers stationed at key climbs, motivating runners to push through the toughest stretches. Sustainability was also a key focus, with organizers ensuring a minimal ecological footprint and promoting trail running as an accessible, low-impact sport for all fitness levels.

With the success of its eighth edition, the Bengaluru Mountain Festival continues to solidify its place as the premier trail running event in India. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #BMF8, celebrating the growing movement that blends endurance, adventure, and a deep connection to nature.