The Snow Marathon held at Sissu in the Lahaul Valley, one of the highest and unique marathons in Asia, recently concluded with participants showcasing exceptional performances. The event, located at an altitude of about 10,500 feet near the Atal Tunnel, witnessed a significant presence of Indian defense forces claiming top positions across various categories.
Naik Het Ram from the Dogra Scout Regiment emerged victorious in the 42-km marathon, completing the challenging course in an impressive 4 hours and 15 minutes. He was closely followed by Tamchor of Ladakh Scouts and OP Saran of the Indian Air Force securing the second and third positions, respectively. Reigning champion Tenzin Dolma defended her title in the women’s category, finishing the race in 4 hours and 46 minutes.
In the 21-km half marathon, Nangdan clinched the top spot in the men’s category, with Namgyal and Ravikant securing the second and third positions. Natasha Mehar emerged as the winner in the women’s half marathon. The 10-km race saw Smazin dominating the field, with Rohit and Saurabh claiming the subsequent positions. Nidhi Jha stood first in the women’s category. Vimal and Priyanka triumphed in the men’s and women’s 5-km races, respectively.
Moreover, a 1-km fun run engaged local residents, tourists, and children in the marathon festivities. The event drew 247 participants, including members of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, ITBP, SSB, and BRO, alongside professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts from all over the country. International athlete SSB DIG Mukesh Kumar participated with his team, underscoring the event’s significance.
The Snow Marathon received strong support from the Lahaul and Spiti administration, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, and major sponsors like Bisleri, Tiger Balm, Campus Shoes, and others. The organizers, Rajiv Kumar and Gaurav Shimar, highlighted their vision of establishing the Lahaul-Spiti region as a premier destination for endurance sports. They announced plans for upcoming marathons aimed at promoting Himalayan conservation and adventure tourism.
The event not only celebrated athletic achievements but also emphasized the importance of sustainable development in the region. The Indian Army’s Sadbhavana Project aims to foster goodwill and development in the area, aligning with the broader goal of promoting adventure sports and environmental conservation in the Himalayas.
The Snow Marathon concluded with a ceremony where Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar presented awards to the winners, acknowledging their exceptional performances and dedication. The event served as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayan region, further solidifying the marathon’s reputation as a challenging yet rewarding event.
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