Sissu Hosts 4th Edition of Snow Marathon with Unprecedented Participation and Environmental Initiative.
Manali:
The picturesque town of Sissu in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh is all set to host the highly anticipated fourth edition of the Snow Marathon, drawing enthusiastic participants from across India. This year’s event has seen an exceptional rise in registrations, particularly among defense and armed forces personnel, marking the marathon as a significant event for both professional runners and fitness enthusiasts alike. The marathon will feature four main race categories: the 42 km full marathon, 21 km half marathon, and shorter 10 km and 5 km races.
Adding a unique and heartwarming element to this year’s edition, Manali Strays, a local voluntary organization, has introduced a special initiative called Snow Tails. This event is designed to strengthen the emotional bond between pet dogs and their owners. Participants will have the chance to run in the one-kilometre and two-kilometre races alongside their furry companions, bringing a delightful twist to the marathon experience. The prize distribution ceremony for the event is scheduled for 11:00 am.
Alongside the sporting action, Snow Marathon participants have also launched a significant environmental initiative aimed at preserving the natural beauty of the region. Around fifty participants and volunteers participated in a cleanliness drive at Sissu, where the marathon is taking place. The drive received overwhelming support, highlighting the collective commitment to environmental conservation in the Lahaul Valley.
The initiative was led by Gaurav Shimar, Founder of the Snow Marathon, who emphasized the importance of keeping the Himalayan region clean and pollution-free. Volunteers and marathon participants gathered plastic waste, discarded bottles, and other non-biodegradable materials from the trails and surrounding areas. They also engaged with tourists, raising awareness about responsible tourism and the need to adopt sustainable practices to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Speaking about the initiative, Gaurav Shimar said, “Lahaul Valley is not just an adventure destination but a lifeline for the local people and the surrounding flora and fauna. It is our duty to protect its natural beauty and ecological balance. Through this cleanliness drive, we hope to inspire more people to adopt sustainable practices.”
This eco-friendly initiative aligns with the Snow Marathon’s mission of promoting environmentally conscious adventure sports. The marathon has always sought to foster a culture of environmental awareness, and this year’s event further reinforces the importance of preserving the delicate ecosystems of the Lahaul and Spiti region.
The Snow Marathon, combining sports, adventure, and environmental advocacy, is set to be a memorable event for participants, volunteers, and the local community alike. As the fourth edition kicks off, the spirit of unity, fitness, and conservation shines brightly in the heart of the Himalayas.
