Uttarakhand made history by hosting its first-ever high-altitude ultra marathon at Adi Kailash, a significant spiritual destination situated at an impressive 14,000 feet in the Pithoragarh district. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 580 runners representing 22 states across India.
The 60-kilometer “Adi Kailash Parikrama Run” commenced early Sunday morning, with Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Ajay Tamta, flagging off the race from Jolingkong amidst biting cold. This significant event was organized to celebrate Uttarakhand’s 25th foundation anniversary, with the state’s formation day falling on November 9th.
Minister Tamta highlighted the initiative as a success stemming from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to revitalize the Adi Kailash region, transforming it from a winter-dormant area into a year-round destination for locals, adventure seekers, and pilgrims. He emphasized that the event is a crucial step in fostering robust economic activities in border villages throughout the year and will serve as a catalyst for winter tourism in the snow-capped Himalayas.
The Union minister also extended his gratitude to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Army, the district administration, and the local community for their invaluable support in arranging accommodation and other necessary facilities for the athletes. The event also included a mention of a separate report about a marathon held in Delhi amid high pollution levels.
State Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Garbyal shared that the marathon took place in sub-zero temperatures, ranging from minus nine to minus fourteen degrees Celsius. He also noted that medical teams had to disqualify over 20 participants who were deemed unfit to compete in the demanding high-altitude environment.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his congratulations to all involved, emphasizing that the successful organization of this first high-altitude marathon at Adi Kailash marks a new era for adventure tourism and sports development in the border regions. He described the event as a testament to courage and dedication, underscoring its potential to propel adventure tourism and the sports culture in these strategic areas, further boosted by the Prime Minister’s vision and personal visit to Adi Kailash.