Kullu / Manali, Marathoners and runners from India and overseas have started to gather at Manali to participate in the third edition of Snow Marathon on March 10 at Sissu, (Lahaul). This event has the reputation of being the only snow marathon in Asia and highest in the world at around 10,000 feet above the sea level. Likewise, every year, this edition is being organised by Reach India in association with District Administration. Key sponsor Himachal Tourism is also aiming to bring the beauty of Lahaul on the world map by strengthening such events.
The event is supported by Fortis Hospital as Medical Partner, Polaroid as Eye Wear Partner, Campus Shoes as Running Partner, Fast & Up as Nutrition Partner, Bonn as Energy Partner, Youngear & Gokyo as Awards Partners.
Organizers Rajeev Kumar and Gaurav Schimer are confident that this time they will surpass last year's figure of participants. So far, nearly 150 runners have registered themselves in four categories of full marathon (42 kilometers), half marathon (21 kilometers), ten kilometers and five kilometers. Ten marathoners are participating from overseas nations like the UK, USA, Australia, Nepal and Ethiopia. Sri Lankan runner Purna Rajarasam is already in town to feel the place.
Continuing the trend, as many as runners of the Indian Navy have reached Manali and are going through acclimatization from the last two days. These sailors hailed from as far as naval bases of Mumbai, Kochi, Goa and Visakhapatnam along with New Delhi. The team, led by Commander Dinesh Bali said sailors are well trained to overcome the different geographical conditions of the country apart. Apart from sea diving, they are sent to different expeditions and exercises. Apart from them, 15 jawans from the Indian Army are also participating in the marathon.
These runners practiced extensively under the guidance of high altitude trainer Nakul Bhutta on Wednesday. After trekking nearly seven kilometers, the team did a snow walk of about two kilometers for the first time in this tour. During the training, emphasis was laid on nutrition, trekking gear, snow running and other aspects of the adventure.
The previous editions of Snow Marathon had witnessed a good amount of participation from South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Due to the upcoming stretched weekend, runners from neighboring states won’t like to miss the opportunity of participating in this marathon. The enthusiasm of the youth from Himachal Pradesh with Delhi and Chandigarh has always been commendable.