PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The first high-altitude ultra marathon in Uttarakhand was held at Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh district on Sunday, with participation from over 700 runners from 22 States. The event aims to boost tourism and adventure sports in the border region, the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said. The 60-kilometre race started at Adi Kailash, covering a Himalayan route with challenging terrain and weather. Participants displayed endurance and fitness throughout the course. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Indian Army assisted in organising and managing the event. Runners praised the State government and district administration for their arrangements. Officials including the Secretary of Tourism, ITBP officers, district administration, police officials and local representatives attended the event. Local residents cheered participants along the route. Dhami congratulated the participants, organisers and residents. He said that the marathon demonstrates dedication and will promote adventure tourism and sports culture in border areas. Dhami added that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash has encouraged tourism in the region and the State government continues to support winter tourism in Himalayan areas. He emphasised that development of border areas is a priority and events like the ultra marathon support the local economy and encourage youth participation in adventure sports. He said that the Uttarakhand government is making all efforts to make the State a centre for adventure sports and mountain tourism in the coming years.
