For the first time in history, the Taj Mahal Marathon will be run in 2009.

Starting from the sleepy village of Niyamat Pur, the route follows a good tarmac road through beautiful rural countryside and villages, before joining the main highway to Agra. The highway runs through fertile fields dotted with eucalyptus trees and mango groves, and past small bazaars and hamlets lining the side of the road. With 7 km to go, we turn from the main highway and onto the secondary Fatehabad Road, where we run past rickshaws and bullock carts until a picture perfect view of the Taj Mahal unfolds over the final kilometres. The final straight takes us into the heritage garden of the Taj Mehtab Bagh (Moon Garden) on the banks of the Yamuna River, with direct views of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is India’s most celebrated monument and was built as a symbol of Shah Jahan’s eternal love for his bride Mumtaz. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen, the overall architectural design is as exquisite as the close up detail of semi precious stones inlaid into the marble surface.

• THE EXTREME CHALLENGE
• MAP OF THE ROUTE
• CHARITY
• PRICES
• FLIGHT SCHEDULE
• BOOKING/PAYMENT FORM
• INSURANCE
• VISA
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• FAQ’s
• KIT LIST
• ITINERARY
• HOTEL
• COMPETITOR PAGE
• FORUM
• MEDICAL FORM

Marathon starts in:

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Are you ready?

Places remaining: 199

The extreme element for this marathon is the heat. Temperatures can rise to around 35ºc during the day and there is no shade along the route. This is not a marathon for the faint hearted or novice runner, and we recommend that all participants can run a normal road marathon in under 6 hours.

Because of the elements and the route, (we have to cross a railway line and you may have to wait for the train to pass!) this will not be a fast marathon. We also recommend that all runners start the race carrying a minimum of 1litre of water in either bottles or hydration system. There will be 4 water stations en route for you to re-hydrate.

As you are taking on an extreme challenge, why not run this event for charity? Many charities will agree to cover a percentage of the costs if you agree to and meet a fundraising target. Click here to view the charities that already support the extreme series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.

Across the Divide would encourage you to raise money for your chosen charity by taking part in this event. Please contact your charity of choice directly or take a look at our charity homepage for details of charities who support the Taj Mahal Marathon.

*if you book the ground only packages you must make your own arrangements to meet the group at the hotel

Pushkar add on**

** Please not that the Pushkar add on will not be lead by ATD but our in-country agent

To book your place click here.

Our policy is £47.00 for up to 10, or part thereof, days travel. For each additional week a charge of £10.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.
Click here for our policy overview.

• Visas are required for British citizens travelling to India. Please ensure that you obtain your visa prior to departure.

The Indian Embassy has introduced a new online visa application form. In addition to the completed application form, you will require:

• Passport, valid for 6 months beyond the date of your stay with at least 2 blank pages
• 2 passport photos
• The visa fee, currently £46.264

We advise that you apply for a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa. This can be done directly through the embassy’s outsourced visa application service (http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk) or using CIBT

Please click here for our full terms and conditions.

Who are Across the Divide?

Across the Divide was established in 1996 by Mark and Karen Hannaford, using their many years of experience in organising expeditions and managing large events. Across the Divide has spent ten years working closely with our charity clients to deliver exceptional worldwide challenges. Please visit Across the Divide for further information.

Will the marathon be safe?

Yes. Across the Divide’s main focus is on participant safety.
The marathon route has been fully checked and approved.
The route is on tarmac roads of good quality.
The roads are quiet with no heavy traffic.
A lane will be closed off for runners on the main highway to Agra.
There will be 4 water stations along the route.
There will be a minimum of 1 UK doctor, local doctor and ambulance at each water station, and each will have a comprehensive medical kit.
There will be a team of vehicle based UK doctors along the route.
Full risk assessments and casualty evacuation plans are in place.
The route will be clearly marked with marshals at the railway crossing and at road junctions.
A local team will be on hand to control traffic along the route.
The race will start at 6.30 am to avoid the mid day heat.

Is there a recommended kit list?

Yes. Please click here to take you to the kit list download page.

Are Across the Divide ATOL bonded?

Yes. Our ATOL number is 6475.

What standard is the accommodation?

We have 4 nights at the luxurious 5 star Jaypee Palace hotel. For further details click here.

Do I have to share a room?

Yes. In order to accommodate everyone at the same hotel rooms must be shared. You can prearrange to share a room with a friend.

What is the route like?

The route is all on good quality tarmac roads. There are a few hills but nothing too major with most of the route flat or on a slight incline. All junctions are marshalled. There is one rail crossing and depending on when you reach it, you may have to wait for a train to pass.

Can I raise money for charity?

Yes and we would encourage you to do so. Click here to view charities currently supporting our extreme series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support.

Can I extend my stay?

If you wish to stay longer then you will need to contact Susan to check availability.

Can I book my own flights?

Yes. You must inform us that you do not wish to take our flights, advise us of your alternative flights, and your plans to either meet the group at Delhi Airport or at the Jaypee Palace in Agra. Failure to do so will mean that group tickets will be issued and charged for.

I have my own insurance policy so do I need to take out your insurance?

No, but you must send us a copy of your policy to insurance@acrossthedivide.com, by fax to 01460 30444 or post to:

Across the Divide
Thorncombe Barn
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP

Please note that we will require section B of the insurance form to be completed if you have taken out your own insurance. Click on the link to complete section B of the insurance form

Main luggage bag weighing no more than 20kg

All items marked with a * are compulsory

• Running shoes*
• Shorts or running trousers*
• Running T-shirt (long sleeved recommended)*
• Running cap*
• Sunglasses*
• Running socks*
• Camelbak or bottles to carry at least 1L of water*
• Energy Gels or snacks

Personal Items

• Loose cool clothing to wear in Delhi and Agra
• Toiletries and towel
• Camera, lots of film and a spare battery
• Padlock or means of securing/locking luggage
• Money belt
• Sun cream minimum factor 30*
• Lip salve with sunblock*
• Insect repellent
• Camera

First Aid kit

• Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory (not for asthmatics)
• Imodium for diarrhoea
• Antihistamine tablets and cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Plasters
• Zinc oxide tape (or Leucotape which is much better)
• Moleskin and/or 'Compeed' for blister treatment
• Dehydration mix such as Dioralyte*
• Small tub of Vaseline
• Tweezers (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Scissors (not in hand luggage on flight)
• Alcohol hand gel

Drop Bag* – small bag for the end of the marathon to include essentials for after the finish.

DAY 1 - LONDON HEATHROW – DELHI
We board our international flight from London Heathrow bound for Delhi.

DAY 2 - DELHI – AGRA
We arrive in Delhi mid morning and board our coaches for Agra stopping en-route for lunch. Arriving in Agra, mid afternoon we check into our hotel and are given an orientation briefing. The rest of the day is free.

DAY 3 - AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI
After breakfast we visit the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Between 1570 and 1586 it was the capital of the Mughal Empire and is a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire’s splendour. We return to our hotel for lunch and the rest of the day is free to prepare for the epic race the following day.

DAY 4 - TAJ MAHAL MARATHON
We take a very early transfer to the start of the race for a 6.30 am start which will enable us to avoid the heat of the afternoon. After the race we have regular transfers back to the hotel for a celebratory dinner and awards ceremony.

DAY 5 - AGRA
After an early morning sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal we return to the hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day is free to explore Agra at your leisure.

DAY 6 – DELHI – LONDON HEATHROW
We take an early morning transfer to Delhi for our return flight to the UK, arriving the same day.

We have 4 nights at the luxurious 5 star Jaypee Palace hotel.

Amongst the most contemporary of 5 star hotels in Agra, Jaypee Hotels offer luxury with a subtle blend of Mughal architectural brilliance and modern amenities.

Set in 25 acres of landscaped gardens, tree lined walkways and dancing fountains, the Jaypee Palace has speciality restaurants, a health club, and 350 elegantly appointed luxury rooms. Please click here to be directed to the hotel's website.

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