Snow Marathon Lahaul is being organised in India for the first time ever with participation of nearly 100 runners from across the nation who will be running on snow covered terrains of Himachal’s Lahaul valley on March 26.
The event is being organised in association of Lahaul-Spiti administration, Reach India and a group of adventure sports enthusiasts from different parts of the country. Runners from other countries are not participating this season due to travel restrictions. Besides Indian armed forces, marathoners from many states are taking part in the Snow Marathon Lahaul. As Lahaul-Spiti administration has announced to make it an annual event that will be held every year in winter season, runners from other nations will also be allowed from next year onwards. Lahaul has been chosen for this extreme winter sports event as the valley remains covered with snow for most time of the year.
Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar chaired a meeting at Solang valley to discuss the event on Saturday. Chief event advisor Col Arun Natrajan, event founder Gaurav Schimar, event execution head Rajesh Chand, Army’s Palchan transit camp commanding officer and seasoned marathon runner Col Santosh Barmola briefed in detail about the Snow Marathon Lahaul which is expected to change the definition of extreme marathon in the country.
Rajesh Chand said the snow marathon will be organised in five categories – full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km), 10km, 5km and 1km (joy race). “The marathon is being organised under the leadership of Winter Sports Federation of India president Col Jodh Dhillon. Lt Col Bhuven Khare, a well-known outdoor and winter sports exert is also part of organising committee while ultrarunner Kieren D’Souza is the brand ambassador. The event will be held in Sissu area and the marathon will have altitude gain as well which will make it more thrilling and adventurous.”
“There are a few established snow runs on the planet, the time is just right to introduce this format of running in India. It’s not just about running in snow, it is also about experiencing mother earth’s wonder and after encountering nature’s glory, it is about cherishing and somehow conserving nature,” an outdoor and Himalayan specialist, travel and adventure journalist and conservationist Gaurav Schimar said, who conceptualised the idea of Snow Marathon Lahaul.
Organisers said there are about ten such snow, ice and winter marathons across the planet, including those popular in Arctic Circle, North Pole and Siberia, it is for the first time that a snow marathon has been conceptualised for long distance runners in India. Now an annual event, snow marathon will be prestigious affair for any serious runner from across the globe and challenge involved will be a notch higher than any existing marathon format for Indian runners.
Organisers said they are fully prepared to deal with medical emergencies. Two modern life saving ambulances along with a team of doctors and paramedics will be ready during the event while air evacuation can also be done in case of emergency.
Col Natarajan, an aviator with the Indian Army and chief program advisor in Snow Marathon Lahaul said, they are going to present this gift to local people in form of snow marathon which they will love to organise in other parts of the district to promote winter sports and tourism. Natarajan, who has been a part of more than twenty marathons, said all this has been possible with opening of Atal tunnel.
The Snow Marathon has surely the excitement of the running community. The Brand Ambassador of the event – Kieren D’souza – an ultra runner of national and international repute, says “I am elated to be part of Snow Marathon Lahaul. There is surely a whole new world that the runners in the country will be experiencing.” He adds, “There cannot be a better location for the first Snow Marathon of the country than Lahaul. I am hoping there will be many fellow runners who will be part of this historic run.”
The event has surely caught the attention and has garnered support of several people and brands in the country. The most critical aspect of such an outdoor sporting event is the medical emergencies that could arrive. That important part is being covered by Fortis Mohali who is the Medical Partner of the event and will be sending two advanced life support ambulances along with a complete team of doctors and paramedics for the event. Then there are other brands like Fast&Up who is pitching in as the Nutrition Partner. Polaroid is the Eywear Partner. Garmin is the Awards Partner, who will be giving their top of the line outdoor watches to the winners. Bonn will be meeting the energy requirements of the runners.
Col Santosh Barmola, who will be running the full marathon explained the level of difficulty and the challenges that the runners will face. He said that after normal marathons and ultraruns and ironman, Snow Marathon Lahaul will take running to the next level in India.
“The Snow Marathon 2022 is a first of it’s kind race in India that introduces folks of the outdoors and endurance racing community with a new and challenging experience. The race also gives an excellent opportunity to engage with the rich culture and traditions of the region in a serene environment. Surely a bucket list run!”, says Nakul Butta, who is the Advisor to the event and is Head Coach of All In Running. Nakul has crafted a 6N7D training camp for the event, to help runners gear up for the big day.
Dance, eat and enjoy snow in Lahaul: DC
The visitors will get a chance to dance with local people along with eating local cuisines and enjoying traditional sports besides taking part or watching the country’s first snow marathon, Lahaul-Spiti deputy commissioner Neeraj Kumar said.
The DC said snow marathon Lahaul is going to become a successful winter event that will attract global attention. He said professional runners from abroad will not be available due to travel restrictions but runners from across the country are applying online. He said maximum people should take part in at least short joy race.
“We shall make snow marathon an annual event. Also, the ongoing Snow Festival of Lahaul will be celebrated at Sissu and Gondhla which can be experienced along with marathon. Traditional Lahaul food festival, archery, folk dance and music, snow sculptures, art and culture will be the main attractions,” he was quoted as saying.
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