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For the first time in history, the Taj Mahal Marathon will be run in September 2008.
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 Sha 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. |
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Marathon starts in:
...
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.
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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. |
2008 PRICES:
There are two options for payment, you can either buy the total package including flights for £1157.00 or just the ground costs £615.00.
Total package price £1157.00
Registration fee: £150.00
£503.50 required by 19th April 2008
£503.50 required by 19th June 2008
Ground costs only £615.00
Registration fee: £150.00
£232.50 required by 19th April 2008
£232.50 requried by 19th June 2008
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Provisional flight schedule:
Jet Airways:
9W121 18th September 2008 London Heathrow/Delhi 2045/1000+1 (arrives 19th)
9W122 23rd September 2008 Delhi/London Heathrow 1350/1830
The flight departs London Heathrow terminal 3, and arrives Delhi terminal 2.
We have 50 seats held at a fare of £348.00 + £138.10 flight taxes = £486.10 per person.
[Please note that the flight taxes are subject to change, and can only be confirmed at the time of ticket issue]. |
To book your place click
here. |
Our policy is £45.00
for up to 10, or part thereof, days travel. For each additional
week a charge of £9.00 per week is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance. These are 2007 price, insurance
costs are likely to increase in 2008.
Click here for our policy overview. |
All foreigners require
visas to enter India.
The general requirements for visas are:
- Original passport valid for at least six months
- Correct visa fee (currently £30 for a short duration
tourist visa)
- Two Recent passport-size photographs
- Itinerary and as supporting document for application
- Completed application form
Please note the following details when completing the form:
Purpose of visit: Tourism
Type of visa: Tourist visa
Places to be visited in India: Delhi, Agra
(send copy of itinerary with application)
Details of referee in India: Altaf Chapri,
Discovery Journeys India, Chapri House, 88 Sector 23, Gurgaon
– 122017, Haryana, New Delhi, India
Once the Visa is received please inform ATD of the
visa number together with passport details.
Visas can be obtained from the following:
High Commission of India,
London
India House
Aldwych
London, WC2B 4NA
Consulate General of India,
Birmingham
20 Augusta Street
Jewellery Quarter, Hockley
Birmingham, B18 6JL
Please contact the Consulate for the current working hours
for Visa Services
Tel: 0121 212 2782
Consulate General of India in Edinburgh
17 Rutland Square
Edinburgh, EH1 2BB
Please contact the Consulate for the current working hours
for Visa services
Tel: 0131 229 2144
Indian Embassy,
Ireland
6 Leeson Park
Dublin 6, Ireland
For forms and further information see High Commission of
India website:
http://www.hcilondon.net/visa/index.jsp/
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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
ten years of 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.
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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, or use the forum
to find someone you would like to share with. |
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 buy the
non-flight package. |
| 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. |
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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 either by fax to 01460 30444 or post to
Susan McDonagh
Taj Mahal Marathon
Across the Divide
Jubilee House
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP
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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.
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18th September 2008 LONDON
HEATHROW – DELHI
We board our international flight from London Heathrow
bound for Delhi.
19th September 2008 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.
20th September 2008 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.
21st September 2008 - 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.
22nd September 2008 - 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.
23rd September 2008 AGRA – DELHI – LONDON
HEATHROW
We take an early morning transfer to Delhi for our return
flight to the UK, arriving the same day.
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We have 4 nights at the
luxurious 5 star Jaypee Palace hotel.
Amongst the most contemporary of 5 star hotels in Agra India,
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,
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. |
Sign up
here |
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