Defence forces clinch top spots in Snow Marathon
The fourth edition of the world’s highest and Asia’s only Snow Marathon concluded at Sissu in the Lahaul Valley, situated at around 10,500 feet above sea level, near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel in Lahaul and Spiti district today. The event witnessed stellar performances, particularly from the Indian defence forces, which claimed most of the top spots in various categories.
Naik Het Ram from Dogra Scout Regiment of the Indian Army won the 42-km marathon in remarkable 4 hours and 15 minutes, followed by Tamchor of Ladakh Scouts and OP Saran of the Indian Air Force at the second and third positions, respectively.
In the women’s category, reigning champion Tenzin Dolma successfully defended her title, completing the race in 4 hours and 46 minutes.
In the 21-km half marathon, Nangdan emerge champion in the men’s category while Namgyal and Ravikant finished second and third, respectively. In the women’s half marathon, Natasha Mehar emerged the winner. Smazin dominated the 10-km race while Rohit and Saurabh secured the second and third spots. Nidhi Jha stood first in the women’s category.
Vimal won the 5-km race in the men’s category while Priyanka claimed the title in the women’s category. Besides, a 1-km fun run was held to engage local residents, tourists and children. The marathon saw 247 participants, including personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) along with professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the country. International athlete and SSB DIG Mukesh Kumar participated with nine of his soldiers. The medical team from Fortis Hospital, Mohali, ensured that safety measures were in place throughout the event.
The event was supported by the Lahaul and Spiti administration, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department and other major sponsors such as Bisleri, Tiger Balm, Campus Shoes, Bon, Fast and Up, and Red Bull.
Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Reach India, and Gaurav Shimar, founder of Snow Marathon, spoke about their vision for the Lahaul-Spiti circuit becoming a premier destination for endurance sports. They announced plans for an ultra-run on June 6 and a full marathon on June 8 in the Lahaul valley as well as the Spiti Marathon in September. These events are aimed at promoting Himalayan conservation, adventure tourism and sustainable development in the region under the Indian Army’s Sadbhavana Project.
The ceremony concluded with Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar giving away the awards.
