Dehradun sits in the Doon Valley between the Himalayan foothills and the Shivalik range. For a runner that means you can pick a flat loop in the city or a climb that starts at the edge of town. The city now has a race calendar of its own too, from a full marathon in October to a 75 km uphill ultra in spring.
Road routes in the city
Rajpur Road
Rajpur Road runs north from the Clock Tower towards Rajpur and the foot of the Mussoorie hills, gaining height as it goes. The lower half, past the malls and cafés, is busy with traffic from mid-morning, so run it early. The upper end beyond Jakhan has less traffic. Out to Rajpur and back makes a long run with a steady climb on the way out and an easy return.
Old Mussoorie Road
From Rajpur, Old Mussoorie Road heads up past Café Marigold and Sai Mandir. It's narrower than Rajpur Road, so watch for vehicles on the bends.
Cantonment roads
Garhi Cantt and Clement Town are cantonment areas with their own road network away from the city centre. Follow the signboards and don't enter areas marked as restricted.
Parks and tracks
Gandhi Park, Rajpur Road
Gandhi Park, near the Clock Tower, has paths for walking and jogging and is open from 7 am to 7 pm. The loops are short, so it suits easy runs and drills more than long distance.
Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur
The sports college at Raipur has a 400 m synthetic track. Public access isn't clear, so ask at the gate before you plan track sessions there.
Trails above the city
The hills above Rajpur and around Mussoorie have trails for runners who are comfortable climbing. Trail Run Project lists several:
- The Rajpur–Jharipani trail, also called the Kipling Trail, about 4.7 km
- The Upper Rispana Gorge circuit, about 6.3 km with roughly 430 m of climb and descent
- The Jabarkhet–Kolti Nala–Landour Cemetery route, about 7.7 km
- The Old Potato Trail, about 9.6 km
- The Mussoorie Urban Trail, about 9.9 km
Run the trails in daylight, carry water and tell someone your route.
Races in Dehradun
The Sarmang Dehradun Marathon is listed by AIMS, the international association of marathons. Its 2026 edition was held on 4 October, with a 51 km ultra, the marathon, half marathon, 10 km, 5 km and 2 km, all starting before sunrise.
The Dehradun Ultra Run is a 75 km uphill course on the city's outskirts. Its second edition, in March 2025, had about 500 runners, up from 150 the year before, according to ThePrint.
There are also half marathons and 10K runs through the year, including the Dehradun Half Marathon and the Dehradun Navy Half Marathon. Dates change every year, so check race listing sites before you plan your training.
When to run in Dehradun
October to March is the best season. Winter mornings are cold and often foggy, so wear something bright if you're on the road before full light. From April to June, finish before the sun gets high. In the monsoon, keep to the roads and stay off the trails after heavy rain.
A few practical points
Street dogs are common on early-morning roads. Slowing to a walk usually works better than running past.
Carry water on Rajpur Road and the hill routes, especially before shops open.
For women running alone, the busier stretches of Rajpur Road and the parks are a better choice before sunrise than empty side roads.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I run in Dehradun?
Rajpur Road for a long run with a climb, Gandhi Park for short easy loops, the Raipur sports college track for speed work if access is allowed, and the trails above Rajpur for hill running.
Is there a running track in Dehradun?
Yes. Maharana Pratap Sports College in Raipur has a 400 m synthetic track. Check public access at the gate.
When is the Dehradun marathon?
The Sarmang Dehradun Marathon was held on 4 October in 2026. Check the organiser's page for next year's date.
What is the best time of year to run in Dehradun?
October to March. Summer runs need a very early start.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Browse Explore → Health & Fitness for gyms and yoga studios in Dehradun.