PUNE: India’s outdoor sports community is gearing up for a landmark endurance challenge. Lyfefit Arena announced on Friday the Casuarina AdventureX, a two-day multi-disciplinary expedition, scheduled for February 7–8, 2026, at the scenic Casuarina Resort Park near the Bhatghar backwaters in Bhor, Pune. Positioned as not just a race, but an expedition, the event is expected to establish a new benchmark in Western India’s adventure sport circuit.Mahendra Lokare, Founder of Lyfefit Arena and organiser of the expedition, informed the press conference. Rajendra Awate and Ganesh Jadhav, owners of the Casuarina Resort Park, along with Vijay Nandgaonkar and Rajendra Jadhav, core team members, were also present.Set against the dramatic landscape of the Sahyadris, the flagship Sahyadri Expedition (150 km) is designed for seasoned athletes. The race demands participants complete 100 km of cycling, 42 km of running, 8 km of hiking, and a 50-metre river crossing, making it one of the toughest multi-disciplinary formats in the country.One of the defining features of Casuarina AdventureX is its integration of heritage into endurance sport. The race routes traverse historic trails linking three iconic Maratha forts—Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Torna. These forts, deeply rooted in Maharashtra’s cultural memory, form the backbone of the region’s warrior legacy.“This event is more than a physical challenge; it’s an emotional experience,” Mahendra Lokare said. Participants will race through lands that echo the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rajgad, the first capital of Shivaji Maharaj and now a UNESCO-listed site under the Maratha Military Landscapes, adds unmatched cultural depth to the race.Casuarina AdventureX offers multiple race categories:• Sahyadri Expedition – 150 km: For elite and experienced adventure racers.• Sahyadri Endurance Challenge – 75 km: Combines 50 km cycling, 8 km running, and 17 km hiking; suitable for intermediate athletes.• Sahyadri Mountain Sprint – 25 km: Designed for amateur athletes seeking a moderately challenging experience.• Casuarina Trail Run – 10 km: An accessible format for beginners and recreational runners.Participants can compete in Solo (Male/Female), Duo (Mixed teams), Open, 45+, and corporate categories. Organisers anticipate more than 500 athletes from across India, including cyclists, trail runners, and outdoor sports enthusiasts.In line with responsible tourism principles, the event emphasises sustainability. The organisers have committed to plastic-free race zones, strict ‘Leave No Trace’ practices, and meaningful collaboration with local communities. Villagers will be engaged for route management, logistics, and food stalls—an initiative aimed at generating income and promoting rural entrepreneurship.
