PIONEER EDG ENEWS SERVICE/ Bageshwar
In the remote Vyas Valley of Uttarakhand, 1,100 athletes gathered on Saturday morning to compete in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2.0. Racing through freezing winds and thin mountain air, the competitors— drawn from 26 States across India— faced what is quickly being recognised as one of South Asia’s most demanding endurance challenges.
Perched nearly 4,500 metres above sea level, they have to brave temperatures sinking to -7°C and atmospheric oxygen nearly cut in half. “It is a frighteningly tough challenge to traverse from the dizzy heights of Jolingkong down to the rugged reaches of Gunji; every stride requires deliberate force, while every inhalation burns the lungs,” said one of the competitors.
Over the coming days, the valley will witness 21 km, 10 km and 5 km trail dashes before the course gives way to the grinding tires of the 25 km and 50 km Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) stages.
Beyond the sheer athletic thrill and lure of the Rs 34-lakh-plus prize pool, the run carries a deeper purpose, said the organisers. “Organised under the Centre’s Vibrant Village initiative and implemented by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the race is breathing life, economic vitality and global attention into quiet border settlements where homestays now open their doors to those on the trail,” said a senior UTDB officer.
Recounting the thrill of the run through the high-altitude circuit, another athlete said that the sacred view of Adi Kailash fades with every uphill switchback. “Up here, the only things that matter are the summit, the countdown and your momentum,” he enthused.
