NAIK HET RAM AND TENZIN DOLMA EMERGED CHAMPIONS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CATEGORY, LAHAUL MARATHON ON JUNE 8 AND SPITI MARATHON SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER IN ASSOCIATION WITH INDIAN ARMY
Face2News/Chandigarh
The fourth edition of the world’s highest and Asia’s only Snow Marathon concluded successfully at Sissu, near the north portal of the Atal Tunnel, situated at an altitude of approximately 10,500 feet. The event witnessed stellar performances from the defence forces with Naik Het Ram of the Dogra Scout Regiment (Indian Army) clinching victory in the 42 km full marathon. He clocked an impressive time of 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Tamchor of Ladakh Scouts secured second place while OP Saran of the Indian Air Force finished third. In the women’s category, reigning champion Tenzin Dolma successfully defended her title by completing the race in 4 hours and 46 minutes.
The 21 km half marathon saw Nangdan emerge victorious in the men’s category, followed by Namgyal in second and Ravikant in third. In the women’s division, Natasha Mehar claimed the top spot. The 10 km race was dominated by Stmazin with Rohit and Saurabh securing second and third place respectively. Nidhi Jha won in the women’s category. In the 5 km race, Vimal took first place while Priyanka secured the women’s title. One km fun run was also organized to engage tourists, children and local participants.
The 21 km half marathon saw Nangdan emerge victorious in the men’s category, followed by Namgyal in second and Ravikant in third. In the women’s division, Natasha Mehar claimed the top spot. The 10 km race was dominated by Stmazin with Rohit and Saurabh securing second and third place respectively. Nidhi Jha won in the women’s category. In the 5 km race, Vimal took first place while Priyanka secured the women’s title. One km fun run was also organized to engage tourists, children and local participants.
Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar felicitated the winners and participants. The marathon drew 247 runners including personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and BRO alongside professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the country. Notably, SSB's DIG and international athlete Mukesh Kumar along with nine of his jawans also participated. A medical team from Fortis Hospital, Mohali, was on-site to ensure the safety of participants.
The event was organized with the support of the district administration, Himachal Tourism Department, Bisleri, Tiger Balm, Campus Shoes, Bon, Fast & Up and Red Bull.
The Organisers Rajeev Kumar and Gaurav Schimar, Founder of the Snow Marathon announced their vision to establish the Lahaul-Spiti circuit as a premier destination for endurance sports. As part of this initiative, an ultra-run will be held in Lahaul Valley on June 6, followed by a full marathon on June 8. Additionally, the Spiti Marathon, scheduled for September which will be organized under the Indian Army’s Sadbhavna Project. The initiative aims to promote Himalayan conservation, adventure sports and sustainable tourism in the region.