Sissu/Manali, March 26, 2022
Shashwat of Karnataka has won the first ever Snow Marathon organized in the country. The Snow Marathon, organised first of its kind at Sissu in Lahaul and Spiti district (Himachal Pradesh) on Saturday, the winner took four hours and 41 minutes to complete the 42-km stretch of full marathon. He was engaged in running practice for a long time during his stay in Manali.
In the women’s category, Dolma of Palchan (Manali) completed her race in five hours and five minutes. Organized in association with Reach India and District Administration, this marathon was conducted in five categories which witnessed overwhelming response across the nation. This was the first time that a snow marathon was organized in the country. Till now, snow marathons were conducted in countries of the cold icy regions such as the polar circles, Antarctica, Russia and northern Europe. This time in Himachal Pradesh, not only this initiative, but the hold the distinction of organizing a snow marathon at the highest altitude of 10,000 feet above the sea level.
In the 21 kilometer – half marathon, Rohan stood first in the men’s section in two hours and 53 minutes while in the women’s section, the title went to Diksha, who clocked two hours and 59 minutes. The ten kilometer run was won by Daulat Ram who took one hour and four minutes while Hemlata placed first in her category who covered the distance in one hour and twenty minutes. Navneet emerged as the winner in the five kilometer category while Shrishti grabbed the title in women’s category. In view of creating enthusiasm among locals for running, a one kilometer race was also organized wherein a massive participation from children and women was seen. The brand ambassador of the marathon – Karein D’Souza also graced the occasion and ran a distance of 10 kms along with the participants.
District Deputy Commissioner Neeraj Kumar awarded the winners and expressed his gratitude to Reach India and Goldrop Adventures for this successful event. In his address, he said that in the very first edition of the marathon, it has been successful with one hundred participants. He affirmed that this tradition of snow marathons would continue in the coming years. Meanwhile, organizers Gaurav Schimar and Rajesh Chand also expressed their gratitude for the prompt cooperation of the district administration. He assured that next year this event would be organized on a bigger scale in which international runners would also be invited.
During the occasion SDM Priya Nagta, Event Advisor Col Arun Natarajan, CEO of Reach India Rajiv Kumar and other administrative officers were also present.
