It’s getting closer! With the Hyderabad edition of the Devils Circuit approaching, the excitement levels among running enthusiasts have been getting higher all the time. 11th October can’t come fast enough!
As the last few weeks before the event winds down, we thought it’d be a good idea to bring you all the action to expect from the first-of-its-kind race in the country.
As you are probably aware, the Devils Circuit is a challenging and inclusive obstacle race, which is a must-attend for every adrenaline junkie. There’s a timed version for the competitive ones in the race too, and the physical and mental challenges make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Now you can take our word for that, or you can experience the thrill yourself! We’d suggest the latter, because from what we’ve seen and heard, the elements combine to make Devils Circuit fun, exciting and physically challenging - all at the same time.
Get started, get down and dirty
At Devil’s Circuit, the runners set out in a large group on uneven, challenging ground to begin. Almost straight off the bat though, they have to navigate obstacles and hurdles, and climb through dust, mud and rocky terrain to get through to the next section of the race.
As you would expect, it’s not all plain sailing. But there’s no time to relax even on flat ground, as there are obstacles galore even in the seemingly easy-looking stretches. You can almost never run in a straight line as there’s always something - like a tree stump, or a huge boulder - blocking your path; flexibility and lightness of feet can help you go a long way in DC!
Each stage of the course presents a special challenge, and the participants must navigate through hail and high water (almost literally!) before they reach the next stage.
Highs and lows
At one point, the participants have to climb a high rope wall – this isn’t for the faint-hearted! Going up and down at full pelt, they have to quickly scale that obstacle even as they hold on to the ropes to stay above ground.
Keep in mind that this is all in bright daylight, surrounded by dust and heat. It’s certifiably a physical challenge, and it will tax your limits. That said, there is some respite from the heat, although it’s not the kind that you’d expect…
A song of ice (and fiery heat)
Wrung through the heat and dust and covered in sweat, the participants have some relief in the form of cold water and mud. But the mud slows everyone down with its sticky stubbornness, and it’s hard not to get a sinking feeling as you try to move forward. But keep up and power through you must, because after this, it’s back to dry land and more running!
Deep, flooded pits then bring the water into Devils Circuit, and at this point you know that nothing on the course will come easy. As the damp, sweaty, mud-soaked participants swim through the last leg of the event, the stakes get higher, with the finish line in sight.
You’re so near, yet so far. As you desperately try to go faster than your competitors, you almost reach the end of your tether!
Relief is soon forthcoming though, as after crossing the finish line, we come to the best part…
Free beer!
The end of the Devils Circuit is one big celebration. As the participants relax and soak in the glory of their achievement, they’re treated to an actual party – with music, DJs, dancing, and best of all, free beer for everyone!
New friends and old, families, couples, co-workers - all of them get to mingle as they celebrate completing a taxing physical and mental test, and revel in their newfound camaraderie. The satisfaction of having completed one of the most grueling challenges imaginable is something that can’t be described in words; if you’re lucky enough to participate, you’d know!
Hyderabad is where all the action is on 11th October; where are you going to be on the day?
