Indian Army dominates Snow Marathon as Shabir Hussain emerged as the champion of full marathon
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More than 200 runners from India and overseas participated in four categories.
Himachal Tourism aims to bring Lahaul on the world tourist and adventure map.
Manali/Kullu, The Ladakh Scouts of Indian Army dominated the third edition of Snow Marathon as Shabir Hussain has won the full marathon title by clocking 03:58:21 at the picturesque snowclad mountains of Jana falls near Manali. The reigning champion Tenzin Dolma from Manali ruled the women’s category by registering her best timing of 04:35:13.
Due to the recent avalanches in Lahaul, the annual event of Snow Marathon could not be held at Sissu (Lahaul & Spiti) as blocked roads enrouting to the venue posed challenges to organizers. Hence this edition was shifted to the snowy hills of Jana Falls.
The Snow Marathon was organized by Reach India and Himachal Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Administration wherein more than 200 runners from India and abroad exhibited their dominance in four categories. Runners from Russia, US, UK and Sri Lanka also marked their presence in the event.
Indian Army’s Tsewang Nangdan won the half marathon with the timing of 01:29:14 while Hemlata recorded 02:45:58 to be the champion in women’s category. Jigmet Stubden, again from the Indian Army, won the ten kilometre category as he clocked 00:48:47. Sakshi stood first in the women’s category wherein she maintained the timing of 01:12:34. Armaan Thakur won in the five kilometer race
According to organizers Rajiv Kumar and Gaurav Schimer, Snow Marathon has truly made a mark in the Indian adventure sports calendar in a very short span of time. More than 200 marathoners from across the country and abroad are an indicator of the fact that every runner wants to experience the snow marathon in the snow clad trails of Lahaul. This edition as many as 25 sailors of the Indian Navy and a few jawans of the Indian Army marked their participation. Apart from that, participants from as far as Goa, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata and other corners of the country made this event a success. Event Execution Head Rajesh Chand said that the organizers made all possible arrangements for the Snow Marathon at Ground Zero in Sissu but were forced to face continuous snowfall and avalanches resulting in shifting the venue. He expressed hope that in the upcoming editions, Snow Marathon will try to make this event even more successful.
The Himachal Tourism is also aiming to place Lahaul and Spiti in the world map of tourism and adventure sports by strengthening such adventurous sports activities in the district.
The event was well supported by Fortis Hospital, Campus Shoes, Polaroid, Fast&Up, Red Bull and Young gear Watches.
