‘Heritage Marathon’ aims to take the road less travelled in Kangra

Raghav Guleria

Dharamsala, March 6

The state tourism department in Kangra district has proposed a ‘Heritage Walk’ with reputed Pune-based organisation ‘Vrattanta Endurance and Sport’ to highlight places in the region hidden and unexplored hitherto.

The organisation holds expertise in conducting long distance and corporate charity races. The proposed ‘Kangra Heritage Ultra Race’, aimed at promoting tourism in Kangra district, has been scheduled for Sunday, March 10. The race — starting from Kangra town — is set to draw participants and spectators from all walks of life.

In the race, contestants from different parts of the country and abroad are likely to participate. According to Deputy Director Tourism (Kangra) Vinay Dhiman, more than 100 runners have already confirmed their participation.

Talking to The Tribune, he said, “This Heritage Walk would go a long way in promoting tourism in the region. The marathon will be flagged off from the Polytechnic College on March 10 by R S Bali, Vice-Chairman, Tourism Development Corporation. We are expecting a total participation of 150 persons. The route has been selected keeping in mind the precious sites which have all the elements of becoming a perfect tourist circuit.”

“The proposed walk, the first of its kind in the region, is all set to enliven all the pristine heritage places enroute. The first destination would be Mata Bajreshwari Mandir and thereafter, covering historical landmarks like Kangra Fort, Mata Baglamukhi Mandir, the heritage villages of Haripur and Guler, Masrur monoliths, Bhorballi Village, the marathon will conclude at Kangra Polytechnic College,” he added.

He said the entire route was virgin and unexplored and was likely to provide the runners with a wholesome insight of the rich cultural legacy and heritage of the district.

The silent streets and sleepy lanes of the chosen circuit was sure to resonate with tales of ancient past marvels, breathing life into them and creating a visual narrative, he added.

The 25 km, 50 km and 100 km walks are scheduled to finish at Baglamukhi, Masrur and back to Kangra respectively. “The walk is nothing less than a magical voyage for all the participants to tread in the footsteps of eras bygone. Since the organisers are engaging local vendors, their businesses are sure to get a boost and this event is expected to act as a catalyst for economic activity. With runners coming from outside, it will also be a boon for the tourism sector,” he said.

Mukesh Kaushal, the organiser, said, “Kangra Heritage Ultra Race aims to promote health and wellness in the region through the empowering act of running. This event shall definitely serve as a unique platform to catch the attention of the people towards Kangra’s cultural and historical significance, fostering a sense of pride among the present generation.”

According to him, some prominent runners participating are Rakesh Kashyap, who holds various accolades including one for covering a distance of 264 km; Dr Vinit Kaura, Border run finisher and world major Boston qualifier; Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Astronaut Gaganyaan.

Catalyst to economic activity

The walk is nothing less than a magical voyage for all the participants to tread in the footsteps of eras bygone. Since the organisers are engaging local vendors, their businesses are sure to get a boost and this event is expected to act as a catalyst for economic activity. — Vinay Dhiman, deputy director tourism, Kangra