Shimla, Sep 25
The Indian Army will organise the Spiti Marathon 2024, the first edition of its high-altitude marathon, as part of Operation Sadbhavana on September 28-29, it was announced on Wednesday.
This historic event will take place at the Him Yodha Military Station, Sumdo in Kaza Subdivision, Lahaul-Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
The Spiti Marathon aims to highlight the Indian Army's initiatives in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh, promote local culture, and boost tourism in border areas.
The event will showcase the vibrant villages of Spiti Valley, supporting the government of India's Vibrant Village Programme.
It also encourages physical fitness and mental robustness, fostering stronger bonds with the local population, an official statement by the Army said.
This prestigious event is being organised through the collaborative efforts of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, Himachal Pradesh Police and Civil administration of Kaza Subdivision.
This marathon will also serve as a medium to improve civil-military coordination.
The event will see distribution of over 36 awards in four different categories of the Marathon – 77 km Spiti Avenger Challenge that will be flagged off at 5 A.M. on September 28 from Kaza; 42 km Spiti Full Marathon and its flag off at 7 A.M. on September 28 from Him Yodha Military Station, Sumdo; 21 km Spiti Half Marathon that is starting from Him Yodha Military Station, Sumdo; and 10 km ‘Run for Fun’ that will flag off at 7 A.M. on September 29 from Sumdo.