Keylong/Manali.
The Himalayas have long been a true test of human endurance, and this spirit is once again coming alive as defense and armed forces personnel from across the country gather for the 4th edition of Snow Marathon which is scheduled to take place on March 23 at Sissu (Lahaul Valley).
As many as 40 defense personnel are currently undergoing a weeklong training camp ahead of the event, not only to acclimatize to the harsh weather conditions but also to prepare for the challenges of running on snow-covered tracks. The camp is being led by high-altitude trainer Sachin Sharma from Manali, who is guiding the participants through specialized training to help them navigate the extreme conditions.
Leading the Indian Air Force contingent is 25-year-old Flight Lieutenant Navjraj Singh Brar. who is head ing a team of 21 airmen representing various air bases including Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Among them is Sergeant OP Saran, an accomplished athlete who represented India in the 100K World Championship in Germany. Expressing his excitement, Brar said, “This is the first time the Indian Air Force is participating in one of the toughest marathons of India. This challenge will not only test our endurance but also prepare us to survive in extreme cold conditions.”
Adding to the competitive spirit, Naik Het Ram from Dogra Scouts of the Indian Army is leading a team of nine athletes. A champion of the full marathon category at last year’s Spiti Marathon, he is determined to bring another title to his battalion. Currently posted at Sumdo, Het Ram has an impressive record of representing the Indian Army at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Dhaka Marathon in 2021 and the Inter Military Games during the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is making its debut in the Snow Marathon with a team of 10 Himveers (jawans) representing different frontiers across the country. Leading the contingent, Inspector Tenzin highlighted that each frontier is represented by two Himveers, who are well accustomed to extreme cold conditions and served at altitudes as high as 18,000 feet in the challenging terrains of the Trans-Himalayas.
This edition of Snow Marathon is also witnessing strong participation from the Kumaon Regiment , Ladakh Scouts and other regiments who have sent a contingent of 4 0 jawans to compete across various categories. Additionally, 70 RCC, a unit of the Border Roads Organization (BRO) which plays a crucial role in facilitating Snow Marathon has also fielded a team to participate in the marathon and providing further support. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is also participating in this edition, led by DIG Mukesh Kumar from the Sapri Training Center in Kangra. The event which is vitally supported by the District Administration of Lahaul & Spiti, has put India on the global Snow Running Circuit.
According to Gaurav Schimar, Event Founder, “Snow Marathon Lahaul not only challenges one’s endurance, but also fosters camaraderie between defense personnel and civilian athletes. It provides an opportunity to exchange fitness insights, enhance training techniques, and strengthen the sports fraternity, uniting athletes through their shared passion for endurance sports and love for the winter scape of the Trans-Himalayas,” he said.
