Uttarakhand Breaks Records with First High-Altitude Marathon at 14,000 ft on Adi Kailash

Uttarakhand: The state saw its first high-altitude ultramarathon on Sunday at Adi Kailash, a spiritual site at 14,000 feet in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, where runners from 22 states took part. 

The 60 km "Adi Kailash Parikrama Run" was started at 5 am in freezing cold by Union Minister of State for Road Transport Ajay Tamta from Jolingkong. The event marked the 25th anniversary of Uttarakhand's foundation day. Every year this Himalayan state celebrated its statehood day on November 09.

What did the minister say on Statehood Day?

Tamta spoke at the event and said, "This comes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm choice to keep the Adi Kailash area active all year for locals, adventure lovers, and pilgrims, even though it was empty in winter before." He added that this achieves the prime minister's goal to create lively economic work in border villages throughout the year.

He noted, "This marathon will begin winter tourism in this snowy high Himalaya area, and visitors will come all year." The Union minister thanked the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Army, the district team, and local people for setting up things, including places to stay, for the runners who came from all over the country to join in Gunji.

Why is the state’s first high-altitude marathon special?

State Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Garbyal shared that more than 580 runners, aged 15 to 60, joined the ultra-run in temperatures from minus nine degrees to 14 degrees below zero. He said doctors found over 20 athletes not fit to run in the high Himalaya area.

What did the Chief Minister say?

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised all runners, organisers, and locals for the smooth first high-altitude marathon at Adi Kailash, stating it will give a new path to adventure tourism and sports in border zones.  "This is a proud time for Uttarakhand.

This historic ultra run at a sacred spot like Adi Kailash shows courage and commitment, and it will lead adventure tourism and sports in border areas to new ways," Dhami said. He added that the prime minister's vision and his trip to Adi Kailash have given huge growth to tourism and spiritual work in the whole area.

How will this change tourism?

The marathon aims to boost year-round visits, support the local economy, and highlight the region's beauty and spirit for adventure and faith.