Half-marathon in Asia’s highest village Komik

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 22

To spread the message of cleanliness, Kaza administration in tribal district of Lahaul-Spiti organised a half-marathon in Asia’s highest village, Komik, on Wednesday. The event was part of the three-day Ladracha fair, which kicked off on August 17. The marathon was scheduled on August 19 but unfavourabale weather conditions had forced the authorities to postpone it.

Kaza Block Development Officer (BDO) GC Pathak said 173 people took part in the half-marathon, of which 169 completed it.

In men’s category Sonam Takpa, a native of Demul, stood first by completing the 21.1-km distance in 1 hour 58 minutes, while Dorje Sandeep of Ladarcha village was the runner-up. In women’s category Chherig Palzom of Kaza stood first and Padma Dngmo, a native of Demul, bagged the second position. The event was recorded to list it in the Asia book of records.

Kaza Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jeevan Negi said the event ended successfully and no untoward incident was reported. The half-marathon was organised at an altitude ranging from 4,530 m to 4,700 m above the sea level, from Komik to Demul village, to spread the message of cleanliness. It was the first-ever half-marathon organised at such a high altitude.

“The purpose of the event was to sensitise people to adopt hygienic lifestyle and keep their surroundings neat and clean. The participants were enthusiastic and pledged to contribute towards the cleanliness mission of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he added.