The fourth edition of the Snow Marathon Lahaul, Asia’s only and the world’s highest snow marathon, is set to take place on March 23, 2025. This extraordinary event will be hosted in Sissu, located in the Lahaul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, at an impressive altitude of 11,000 feet. Officials announced the preparations on Monday, looking forward to an exhilarating day of competition.
The Snow Marathon challenges long-distance and ultra-runners to compete under extreme conditions and this year has attracted a diverse range of participants. Over 300 runners from across the country will participate in four categories: the 42 km (Full Marathon), 21 km (Half Marathon), 10 km, and 5 km. It marks a significant occasion for enhancing India’s representation in high-altitude snow marathons, drawing in top endurance athletes and adventure enthusiasts.
The event has a history of strong military involvement, and this year is no exception. The Indian Air Force Adventure Team is sending 20 runners to join the race. The Indian Army will also be competing with a contingent of 25 elite runners from esteemed regiments, including the Ladakh Scouts, Dogra, and Kumaon Regiments. Paramilitary forces, such as the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), will also compete, showcasing the spirit of endurance and teamwork.
Col (retd) Arun Natrajan, the event organizer, expressed the marathon’s significance in terms of environmental awareness. “Lahaul’s winter landscape offers a thrilling experience for runners and adventurers. However, the melting glaciers and diminishing snowfall are urgent concerns,” he emphasized. “We hope this event raises awareness about the need for immediate action to protect our fragile environment.” His comments reflect growing concerns regarding climate change and its impact on high-altitude regions.
High-altitude trainer Sachin Sharma also commented on the uniqueness of the event. “It’s the only race in India that combines the challenge of running on snow with the opportunity to engage with the region’s rich culture and traditions,” he noted. This combination of sport and cultural engagement invites participants to immerse themselves in the local ethos while challenging their physical endurance.
Event founder Gaurav Schimar reiterated the marathon's dual purpose. “While the race caters to extreme outdoor sports enthusiasts, its core purpose is to highlight the ecological challenges faced by the Himalayas and the Trans-Himalayan region,” he stated. The connections between sports and environmental advocacy are becoming increasingly important, and events like the Snow Marathon Lahaul serve as platforms to bring these issues to light.
As participants prepare for the upcoming marathon, the anticipation builds not only for personal triumphs in competitive sports but also for creating a sense of responsibility towards the environment. The Snow Marathon Lahaul promises to be an extraordinary event that challenges its competitors while fostering a greater appreciation for the Himalayan landscape and the ecological issues it faces.
With the integration of high-altitude challenges and urgent environmental messages, the Snow Marathon Lahaul aims to leave a lasting impact both in the realm of sports and ecological awareness. As March 23 approaches, the excitement and significance of this marathon become clearer, setting the stage for an engaging combination of endurance sports and vital conversations about climate action.
