933 participants arrive from across the country; an initiative to boost ‘Fit India’ and border tourism.
Chamoli: The ‘Niti Extreme Ultra Run’ kicked off with a grand opening in the Niti Valley. Organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with the Indian Army and the ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), this unique event sees the participation of 933 runners from 28 states across the country. The objective of this three-day event is to promote tourism in border areas, provide national recognition to local culture, and raise fitness awareness among youth.
The event was officially flagged off by Cabinet Minister and District In-charge Minister Bharat Singh Chaudhary. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that the state government is continuously working toward the holistic development and tourism promotion of border regions. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, this event has become a powerful medium to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Fit India’ campaign to the nation’s borders.
The Minister emphasized that expanding tourism activities in border villages will create new employment opportunities for locals and further strengthen these villages, which serve as the country’s second line of defense.
District Tourism Officer Arvind Gaur shared that the ‘Niti Extreme Ultra Run’ is being organized from May 31 to June 2. On the first day, the Rimkhim-Niti-Malari 75-kilometer ultra run was held, featuring 117 participants. Meanwhile, 118 runners took part in the Malari-Niti-Malari 42-kilometer ultra run.
He further informed that half-marathons of 5, 10, and 21 kilometers will be organized in the coming days. Additionally, a 30-kilometer MTB (Mountain Terrain Biking) Challenge will be held between Gamsali and Malari during the closing ceremony.
Prior to the races, a cultural evening was organized by the Tourism Department in Malari village. Renowned folk singer Kishan Mahipal captivated the audience with his popular folk tracks. Participants and locals enthusiastically joined in the cultural programs late into the night.
The event was attended by Minister of State Harak Singh, District Panchayat President Daulat Singh Bisht, BKTC (Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee) Vice President Rishi Prasad Sati, BJP District President Gajpal Bartwal, General Secretaries Arun Maithani and Vinod Kanwasi, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal, Chief Development Officer Dr. Abhishek Tripathi, along with officials from various departments, officers and jawans of the Indian Army and ITBP, public representatives, and a large number of local residents.
