Manali, March 22: Chaos and confusion marred the Snow Marathon League in Manali as participants from across India and abroad alleged mismanagement, overcharging, and poor communication, forcing organisers to cancel the much-anticipated 50 km Ultra Run and Walkathon.
Runners who had travelled from cities including Dubai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad accused the organisers of failing to provide clear information regarding the event venue and arrangements. The marathon, initially scheduled at Sissu in Lahaul, was shifted to Sethan near Manali following the closure of the Atal Tunnel. Participants claimed they were informed of the change at the last moment, leaving many unprepared for the altered conditions.
Several runners alleged that they were overcharged for hotel accommodations and faced a lack of transparency in pricing. A participant from Dubai said his category was changed from Marathon to Walkathon after payment adjustments, but accommodation charges remained high and unclear. He also claimed that despite travelling from a conflict-affected region, the experience was disappointing due to poor coordination.
Tensions escalated on the night of March 21 when participants were allegedly asked to move to Sethan late at night after dinner. Many expressed discomfort over travelling uphill around 10 PM in harsh weather and unfamiliar terrain. Even those willing to relocate reportedly faced transport issues, with some claiming that cab drivers refused service due to payment disputes with organisers. As a result, several runners had to arrange their own accommodation despite having already paid.
Participants from Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai said they felt cheated and were unable to compete in the Ultra event. Some have indicated they are considering legal action against the organisers.
Meanwhile, only four runners from the Ladakh Scouts of the Indian Army, who had travelled from Leh, managed to reach the venue and participate, reportedly due to official commitments.
Volunteers from Delhi and other regions also reported facing difficulties due to sudden changes and inadequate arrangements. They alleged that both runners and volunteers were left to manage in challenging conditions without proper support.
The situation culminated in the cancellation of the 50 km Ultra Run and Walkathon after many participants boycotted the event.
The Snow Trail dog race, held on the sidelines, also drew criticism. Observers raised concerns over animal welfare, alleging that dogs brought from cities like Mumbai struggled to cope with the high altitude of around 9,000 feet and deep snow conditions of 2–3 feet in Sethan.
The incident has raised serious questions about event planning, participant safety, transparency in charges, and the management of high-altitude sporting events in the region.
