Defence Forces Sweep Titles at Asia’s Only Snow Marathon in Lahaul and Spiti.

Sissu:

The fourth edition of the world’s highest and Asia’s only snow marathon concluded with exceptional performances, with most of the titles claimed by personnel from India’s Defence Forces. The marathon, held at the breathtaking and challenging altitudes of 10,500 feet near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel in Sissu, Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh today, saw participation of 247 athletes, including soldiers from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, ITBP, SSB, BRO, along with professional runners and fitness enthusiasts.

In the men’s 42 km race, Naik Het Ram from the Dogra Scout Regiment of the Indian Army emerged as the winner, completing the race in an impressive 4 hours and 15 minutes. Tamchor of the Ladakh Scouts finished second, while OP Saran from the Indian Air Force secured third place. The race tested the athletes’ endurance and strength, as they raced against the unforgiving snow and freezing temperatures of the region.

Tenzin Dolma, the defending champion of the women’s 42 km category, continued her dominance in the snow-covered terrain. She crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 46 minutes, clinching the top spot for the second consecutive year. Dolma’s performance was a testament to her resilience and determination as she overcame the extreme conditions to retain her title.

In the men’s half marathon (21 km), Nangdan emerged victorious, with Namgyal taking second place and Ravikant finishing third. In the women’s half marathon, Natasha Mehar claimed the title, displaying her strength and endurance in the demanding race.

The 10 km race also featured fierce competition. Smazin took first place in the men’s category, while Rohit and Saurabh secured second and third places, respectively. In the women’s 10 km category, Nidhi Jha crossed the finish line first, further strengthening her reputation as one of the top runners of the event.

In the 5 km race, Vimal triumphed in the men’s category, while Priyanka claimed first place in the women’s category. To generate more interest in snow marathons, a 1 km race was organized for tourists, children, and locals, giving them a chance to experience the unique thrill of running in the snow-covered mountains.

This year’s Snow Marathon saw 247 participants from across India and abroad, including notable international athlete and SSB DIG Mukesh Kumar, who participated along with nine of his soldiers. The event was supported by a strong medical team from Fortis Hospital Mohali, which was on standby to manage any emergencies that might arise in such extreme conditions.

The marathon received support from the district administration, Himachal Tourism Department, and various sponsors including Bisleri, Tiger Balm, Campus Shoes, Bon, Fast & Up, and Red Bull. The collaborative effort ensured the smooth execution of the event, which has now become an annual fixture in the running community’s calendar.

Rajiv Kumar, CEO of Reach India and organizer of the event, and Gaurav Shimar, founder of Snow Marathon, announced future plans to expand the event further. Following the success of this year’s marathon, they revealed plans to host an Ultra Run in the Lahaul Valley on June 6, followed by a full marathon on June 8. Additionally, the Spiti Marathon will be organized in September under the Indian Army’s Sadbhavna Project, aimed at attracting runners from across the country and promoting tourism and adventure activities in the Lahaul-Spiti region.

The goal of these events is not only to create a platform for runners but also to raise awareness about the importance of Himalayan conservation and the unique cultural and natural heritage of the region. The marathon’s growth is poised to make the Lahaul-Spiti circuit a major hub for adventure tourism in India.

District Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar awarded the winners and congratulated all participants for their outstanding performances. Several other dignitaries, including DFO Aniket, Child Development Officer Khushwinder Singh, and District Child Protection Officer Hira Nand, were also present during the event.

With its continued success, the Snow Marathon in Sissu has become a significant event, not only for athletes but also for promoting the rugged beauty of the Himalayas and the spirit of adventure.