Over 700 runners from 22 states take part in 60-km ultra-marathon at 19,000-foot-high Adi Kailash

Uttarakhand’s first high-altitude ultra-marathon, held at a Himalayan height of more than 19,000 feet, witnessed participation from over 700 runners across India. The 60-kilometre-long event, organised in temperatures below minus 15 degrees Celsius as part of the state’s silver jubilee celebrations, aimed to promote winter tourism in the state.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the High-Altitude Ultra-Marathon, organised in the sacred shadow of the state’s spiritual heritage site Adi Kailash, will unveil a new dimension to Uttarakhand’s potential in adventure sports, natural heritage, and tourism.

Advertisement

Officials from the state tourism department said the 60-kilometre-long run began at Adi Kailash, with over 700 participants from 22 states braving sub-zero temperatures of around minus 15 degrees Celsius in the early morning. The runners demonstrated exceptional courage, endurance, and fitness as they traversed the high-altitude, rugged Himalayan terrain at nearly 20,000 feet.

Congratulating the participants for their performance in the first ultra-marathon of the Himalayan state, held at a sacred site like Adi Kailash, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “This event is a moment of pride for Uttarakhand. This historic ultra run, organised at a spiritual abode like Adi Kailash, is not only an example of courage and dedication but will also give a new direction to adventure tourism and sports culture in the state.

The ultra run, held to mark the completion of 25 years of the state’s formation, symbolises Uttarakhand’s bright future and boundless possibilities.”

The Chief Minister further said that tourism and spiritual activities in this part of Uttarakhand have received an unprecedented boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Adi Kailash in 2023. He added that the state government is making every effort to promote the Himalayas and winter tourism under the guidance of the Prime Minister.

“Development of border areas is our priority. Events like the ultra-marathon not only give a fillip to the local economy but also generate enthusiasm for adventure sports among the youth. Uttarakhand is poised to become a global centre for adventure sports and mountain tourism in the coming days,” Dhami said.

“This ultra-marathon will have a far-reaching impact on promoting tourism in this part of Uttarakhand. After the Prime Minister visited Adi Kailash, it was proposed to organise a big event to create an environment conducive to promoting winter and adventure tourism here. It is also aimed at giving an impetus to tourism activities in vibrant villages, as envisioned by the Centre,” state Tourism Secretary DS Garbyal said.