SHIMLA: After the success of the first edition of 'Snow Marathon Lahaul', the second edition of much awaited world’s highest is back on March 12, 2023 at Sissu near the Atal Tunnel’s North Portal lies in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The event which is being organised by District Lahaul and Spiti Administration and Reach India call upon runners across the country to compete for full (42 km) and half (21 km) marathon along with ten and five kilometre runs for both categories. The event is recognized by the Fit India Movement of the Government of India.
Organizer Gaurav Schimer while addressing a press conference held at Ashiana Restaurant informed that HP’s Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will mark the occasion as Chief Guest. India joined the league of ten snow and ice marathons in the world as some of which take place on the Arctic Circle, North Pole, and in locations such as Siberia. The Snow Marathon in India was the first of its kind designed for long-distance runners. The inaugural edition of this prestigious annual event took place on March 26, 2022, and proved to be a great success
The team of Fortis doctors and paramedics will provide medical security with its highly advanced ambulance during the course of the event to prevent any causality with runners.
According to event’s Chief Advisor Col Arun Natarajan, who is an aviator with the Indian Army said that this snow marathon represents the next level of running in India following normal marathons, ultra runs, and ironman competitions. Col Arun Natrajan, an Indian Army aviator who has participated in over twenty marathons, expressed his pride in contributing to the Snow Marathon Lahaul,
According to Rajiv Kumar, the CEO of Reach India, this year's event is focused on Animal Welfare, with the event supporting Manali Strays, which is the only organization dedicated to the welfare of animals in the region.”
According to Rajesh Chand, the Event Execution Head, "The event has also received significant help from volunteers and organizations like the Sissu Skiing and Snowboarding Society, who are working tirelessly to ensure its success.”
Sumit Khimta, DC, Lahaul and Spiti expressed, “The administration has collaborated with the organizers to ensure that the sporting event grows into an international and prominent affair in the future.”
The Ex-President of Winter Games Federation of India, Col Jodh Singh Dhillon, SM**, is overseeing the organization of the event. Additionally, Lt Col Bhuwan Khare, a well-known expert in outdoor and winter sports, is also on board. Khare has participated in and organized numerous national and international adventure and sporting events.