Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh will flag off a snow marathon on March 26, the first of its kind in India. The challenging event will have four categories and organisers hope to make it an annual event. By Eshita Srinivas
In a recent press conference held near Manali, Lahaul and Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar stated that the country’s first snow marathon would take place in the valley on March 26. Organised by Reach India in collaboration with the district administration, officials hope to make it an annual event, adding that those in attendance would also get to experience local culture and traditions.
India’s first snow marathon in Himachal will feature four different categories
The event is set to have four different categories – a full marathon in which participants need to run 42 kilometres, a half marathon that would span 21 kilometres, and two varieties that would cover 10 kilometres and 5 kilometres, respectively. Colonel Jodh Dhillon, the president of the Winter Sports Federation of India, is in charge of the events. Kumar stated that the administration of Lahaul and Spiti was working towards the race, adding, “The administration is supporting the marathon with the logistical, administrative and monetary support. People are all geared up to welcome the participants and guests for the event,” Tribune India reports.
He added that this was the first time a snow marathon was being held in the country, and the terrain would be more challenging for Indian runners than any other format in existence at the moment. A news report by Financial Express adds that the organisers hope for the marathon to be an excellent training ground for similar races across the globe, with many adding that there could be no place better than Lahaul for the same.
Bearing in mind the nature of the adventure sport, the organisers have also prepared for medical emergencies by partnering with Mohali-based Fortis Hospital. Two modern life-saving ambulances as well as a team of doctors and paramedics will be on the ground during the event. Ultramarathon runner Kieren Dsouza and blogger Prakriti Varshney have been chosen as the brand ambassadors of the event, a report by Indian Express adds.
Thousands visit Lahaul every year to witness its breathtaking natural landscapes, marked by towering peaks and hanging glaciers. Other popular adventure sports in the valley include trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and heli-skiing.
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