On November 2nd, Bengaluru’s often-congested NICE Road is set to undergo a remarkable transformation. It will become a vibrant tribute to Karnataka’s magnificent past, hosting ‘The Hoysala Hustle’ – a unique run designed by Bhasin Sports as ‘a carefully designed cultural odyssey on foot’ to celebrate the state’s rich history and enduring legacy.
The event’s name, ‘Hoysala Hustle,’ directly reflects its deep connection to Karnataka’s heritage. The Hoysalas were influential rulers, celebrated for their stunning star-shaped temples found in historical sites like Belur, Halebidu, and Somanathapura.
Touted as ‘India’s first thematic run,’ the Hoysala Hustle offers an immersive experience that transcends a typical race. Participants will journey through kilometers punctuated by captivating installations and live performances, each celebrating a unique facet of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.
Imagine running past miniature replicas of the iconic Mysore Palace and the majestic Hampi Chariot, or glimpsing scenes inspired by the breathtaking Jog Falls and the delightful Channapatna Toys. The run will also feature vibrant live performances, including a traditional Yakshagana troupe, dynamic Huli Vesha dancers, and rhythmic Dollu Kunita drummers. As organizers emphasize, ‘When you run the Hoysala Hustle, you’re not just covering kilometers. You’re running through centuries of history, art, and resilience. Every stride will carry the pride of Karnataka.’
The ancient Hoysala Sri Moole Shankareshvara Temple in Turuvekere in Tumakuru district
This inspiring event, featuring 21K, 10K, and 5K race categories, is the newest offering from Bhasin Sports, a company specializing in sports organization and technology. The company’s co-founder, Sushil Kumar Bhasin, found his passion for running in his early sixties. Despite facing significant health challenges, including having only one kidney, undergoing surgery, and managing diabetes with insulin for 25 years, he recently celebrated his 75th birthday by completing an incredible 128 km run. He holds world records as the fastest 200-miler and the sole 300 and 500-miler in his age group.
Founded in 2017, Bhasin Sports was born from Sushil’s profound love for ultra-long-distance running. His son, Ankur, believes his father’s perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a powerful inspiration. This led to their mission: ‘inculcating fitness as an asset in the minds of people.’
Jog Falls after intense rains in Sagar taluk
The Hoysala Hustle marks the beginning of a new series of road runs by Bhasin Sports. While most ultra runs, like the Deccan Ultra, typically take place on scenic trails, offering participants a chance to ‘enjoy nature while we run,’ this series aims to bring the experience to the roads.
The inception of this new road-running initiative coincided with a period of intense public discussion in Bengaluru surrounding the local language debate.
Ankur, a Delhi native who has called Bengaluru home for 33 years and is married to a Kannadiga, observed the frequent ‘language clashes.’ He felt these tensions often stemmed from a lack of appreciation for the rich cultural heritage that unites the region. As a father of two, he is constantly seeking ‘engaging and exciting ways for them to learn about culture.’
A Yakshagana performance
This desire to foster cultural understanding gave birth to the Hoysala Hustle, ‘a run that celebrates Karnataka.’ Ankur believes that blending heritage elements with a physical challenge can ignite curiosity about our past and draw more visitors to significant historical monuments and sites.
A police band performs in front of the Mysuru Palace on Friday as part of the Dasara celebrations.
The vision extends beyond Karnataka, with plans to expand these thematic runs across India. ‘We want to pick up different parts of India and celebrate the culture of that land,’ he states, suggesting that a similar event in Tamil Nadu might be dubbed ‘Chola Hustle.’
Having traveled extensively and interacted with diverse communities, Ankur believes these events can achieve more than just heritage awareness. He passionately asserts, ‘With people knowing about different cultures and our shared heritage, there will be more harmony.’
For more details about the Hoysala Hustle or to register, interested participants can visit the Bhasin Sports official platform.