Asia’s high-altitude snow run in Himachal on March 23

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Chandigarh, March 18 (IANS) The fourth edition of the Snow Marathon Lahaul, Asia’s only and the world’s highest snow marathon at an altitude of 11,000 feet, will take place on March 23.

It will be held in Sissu in Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, announced officials on Monday.

This unique event challenges long-distance and ultra-runners in extreme conditions. This year’s marathon will see the participation by over 300 participants across the country, competing in four categories — 42 km (Full Marathon), 21 km (Half Marathon), 10 km, and 5 km.

The event is a key part of India’s global representation in high-altitude snow marathons for attracting top endurance athletes and adventure enthusiasts.

The event has seen strong participation from the Indian Army and the Indian Navy in previous editions. This year, the Indian Air Force Adventure Team with 20 runners are taking this challenge.

The Indian Army is sending 25 elite runners, including athletes from the Ladakh Scouts, Dogra and Kumaon Regiments.

Additionally, paramilitary forces like the ITBP and the SSB would compete alongside elite runners and outdoor athletes.

Speaking about the run, Col (retd) Arun Natrajan, event organizer, highlighted the environmental significance of the event.

“Lahaul’s winter landscape offers a thrilling experience for runners and adventurers. However, the melting glaciers and diminishing snowfall are urgent concerns. We hope this event raises awareness about the need for immediate action to protect our fragile environment,” Col Natarajan said here.

High-altitude trainer Sachin Sharma described the race as a one-of-a-kind experience for outdoor and endurance runners.

“It’s the only race in India that offers a challenging run in snow while allowing participants to engage with the region’s rich culture and traditions,” he said.

Event founder Gaurav Schimar emphasized the marathon’s environmental message. “While the race is designed for extreme outdoor sports enthusiasts, its core purpose is to highlight the ecological challenges faced by the Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayan region.”

–IANS

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A day after, on Thursday, PM Modi will inaugurate the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar.

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Gujarat HC rejects Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi’s plea to quash FIR

Ahmedabad, Jan 18 (IANS) The Gujarat High Court has turned down Congress Rajya Sabha MP and poet Imran Pratapgarhi’s request to quash an FIR filed against him for allegedly disturbing social harmony. The court emphasised that Pratapgarhi, as a Member of Parliament, should respect the legal process.

The case dates back to January 3, 2025, when a complaint was filed at Jamnagar police station by an advocate’s clerk. The complaint alleged that a video posted by Pratapgarhi on Instagram, which featured a poem, was inciting unrest and harming social peace.

Pratapgarhi challenged the FIR in the Gujarat High Court, requesting the dismissal of the complaint without any negative action until the matter was resolved.

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Pratapgarhi was asked to specify whether the poem was written by him or sourced from elsewhere, and if so, provide the details of its author.

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The police had issued a notice to Pratapgarhi on January 4, asking him to appear on January 11, but he failed to cooperate with the investigation. The case is still in its early stages, and the investigation is ongoing.

The court highlighted that Pratapgarhi’s action could not be defended simply based on his status as a public figure. His failure to appear before the authorities and his lack of clarity about the origin of the poem were key factors in the court’s decision.

The High Court ultimately dismissed Pratapgarhi’s plea, reinforcing that lawmakers must uphold the law and act responsibly.

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