Hundreds participate in first ever ‘Adi Kailash Parikrama run’ at high altitude under severe cold conditions
Hundreds participate in first ever ‘Adi Kailash Parikrama run’ at high altitude under severe cold conditions
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Nov 2
Hundreds of athletes from across the country participated in the first ever Ultra marathon run named ‘Adi Kailash parikrama run’ at a height of more than 14000 feet high altitude in the periphery of ‘Adi Kailash’ mountains near Indo-China border, here today. Raising slogans of Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity whose abode is Mount Kailash, athletes under freezing temperatures ran the marathon.
Union minister of state for road transport, Ajay Tamta flagged off race at Jolingkong at 5 am amidst chilling cold conditions. “It is result of decision of the strongly willed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had decided to make this hitherto deserted region in winter, a round the year vibrant place for locals, adventure lovers and pilgrims of ‘Adi Kailash’ by promoting it,” said the Union minister.
“This is beginning of winter adventure tourism in this high Himalayan border region of Jolingkong to strengthen concept of vibrant village on the borders of the country.” said Dheeraj Singh Garbiyal, Secretary, Tourism, Uttarakhand government and initiator of the first high altitude ultra marathon race in the state.
Ajay Tamta claimed that it is success of vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have yearlong vibrant economic activities at border villages of the country. “The event will initiate winter tourism in this snowy region of high Himalayas and make people stay here round the year,” said Tamta.
He also thanked ITBP, Army, district administration and local villagers around Gunji for making arrangements of lodging and boarding for the guest athletes who had reached the region from across the country.
According to the tourism secretary, the race, in 5 categories were organised in minus Celsius temperature and participated by over 580 athletes from 22 states of the country for which over 800 had registered themselves. The race was participated by athletes from 15 to 60 years of age.
Over 20 athletes were declared unfit by doctors a day before as they were found physically unsuitable for high altitude race.
