Shashwat and Dolma create history in India’s first and World’s highest Snow Marathon in Lahaul

• Snow Marathon was successfully concluded in Sissu near North Portal of Atal Tunnel
• Average Elevation of the marathon track exceeded 10000 feet
•  DC Neeraj Kumar said Snow marathon will be an annual feature

Khel Today Bureau

Lahaul: India created history with successfully organising Snow Marathon Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti district. India now not only has its own Snow Marathon but also organised the highest ever Snow Marathon in the World.

Shashwat Rao of Karnataka won the Snow Marathon with a timing of 4:41:07. He was practicing in Manali for a long time with this Snow Marathon as one of his focus areas. In the women’s category, a local Himachali Dolma Tenzin was the fastest and she completed her race in five hours and five minutes, thirty seconds.

Snow Marathon Lahaul, conceptualised by Event Founder Guarav Schimar and organised by Reach India and supported by the District Administration of Lahaul and Spiti district (Himachal Pradesh) saw the participation of over 100 sportsmen and women.

Gaurav Schimar, Event Founder said, “This was the first time that a snow marathon was organized in the country. Till now, snow marathons were conducted in countries of the cold icy regions such as the polar circles, Antarctica, Russia and northern Europe. With Snow Marathon Lahaul, India not only stepped into the elite club of countries where Snow Marathons are organised but by organising it at an elevation of above 10,000 feet, it now holds the distinction of organizing a snow marathon at the highest altitude.”

In the 21 kilometres – Half Marathon category, Rohan stood first in the men’s section with two hours 53 minutes while amongst the women, the title went to Diksha, who clocked two hours 59 minutes.

The ten kilometre run was won by Daulat Ram who took one hour and four minutes while Hemlata placed first in her category who covered the distance in one hour and twenty minutes. Navneet emerged as winner in the five kilometer category while Shrishti grabbed the title in women’s category.

In view of creating enthusiasm among locals for running, a one kilometer race was also organized wherein a massive participation from children and women was seen. The brand ambassador of the marathon – Kieren D’Souza also graced the occasion and ran 10 kms along with the participants.

District Deputy Commissioner Neeraj Kumarawarded the winners and expressed his gratitude to Colonel ArunNatarajan andGoldrop Adventures for this successful event. He said, “In the very first edition of Snow Marathon Lahaul, it has been successful with over one hundred participants. He affirmed that this tradition of snow marathons should continue in the coming years as well and assured all help from the district administration for further scaling up in the years to follow.

Rajiv Kumar of Reach Indiasaid, “We are surely going to ramp up the running quotient in India with this edition of Snow Marathon Lahaul. It has been years in the making and while there are few established snow runs on the planet, the time is just right to introduce this format of running to India”.

Colonel Natarajan, the Chief Advisor added, “It was not just about running in snow and the inherent trials and tribulations that would test the spirit of any runner who participated. It is also about facing the elements including the high-altitude challenges, which one will have to endure, which made Snow Marathon Lahaul so special.”

The most critical aspect of such an outdoor sporting event is the medical emergencies that could arrive. That important part was covered by Fortis Mohali who were the Medical Partner of the event and had stationed two advanced life support ambulances along with a complete team of doctors and paramedics for the event.

Fast&Up pitched in as the Nutrition Partner, Polaroid the Eyewear Partner and Garmin was the Awards Partner, who presented their top of the line outdoor watches to the winners. Bonn was meeting the energy requirements of the runners and Woodland provided the Outdoor Gear for the event.

Colonel Jodh Singh Dhillon, SM**, who is the President of Winter Games Federation of India and who helped organise this Event concluded by saying, “Snow Marathon Lahaul while giving runners and audience an unparalleled experience is also about bringing awareness to perhaps what is the biggest challenge being faced by the Himalayas, i.e. of Waste Management, and that is the Cause behind the event.”