A Dream Realized: Mussoorie Pays Tribute to Tom Alter
In a heartfelt tribute to the late actor and passionate sports enthusiast Tom Alter, more than 400 athletes gathered in the picturesque hill station of Mussoorie this Sunday morning. They participated in a special ultra marathon event, bringing to life a long-cherished dream of the beloved local figure. The event saw runners of all levels come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Alter, who was born in this 'Queen of Hills'.
A Son's Emotional Tribute
Jamie Alter, Tom's son, was present to witness the historic event and shared his emotional connection to the marathon. "My father always had this wish of organising a full marathon in Mussoorie," Jamie told TOI. He fondly recalled how his father used to run 42 km from Bata Ghat and beyond. For Jamie, the event was a powerful way of celebrating his father's life and spirit. He expressed immense happiness seeing the enthusiastic participants living out his father's dream with such energy and commitment.
Community and Official Support
The event received overwhelming support from the local community and officials. Meera Saklani, Chairperson of the Mussoorie Municipal Council, described the marathon as a fitting tribute to a true son of the soil. Echoing these sentiments, Sandeep Sahni, President of the Uttarakhand hotel association, highlighted Tom Alter's deep affection for Mussoorie and its residents. "This is a fulfilment of the versatile actor's long-cherished dream, and people have shown tremendous love and support for the cause today," Sahni remarked, emphasizing the local boy's enduring connection to his hometown.
The Race and Its Route
The marathon was officially flagged off by Jamie Alter outside the Kulri police outpost. The challenging route took runners on a scenic journey through Mussoorie's iconic landscapes. The course wound its way through the famous Camel's Back Road, passed Gandhi Chowk, headed towards the LBSNAA, continued to the Municipal Garden, and then proceeded to Hathipaon and Kimadi before looping back. The event was inclusive, featuring multiple race categories to accommodate different levels of endurance: a grueling 50 km ultra marathon, a 42 km full marathon, a 21 km half marathon, a 10 km run, and a 5 km run.
In the premier 50 km ultra marathon category, Ladakh resident Tsewang Tamchos clinched first place, demonstrating exceptional stamina. The second position was secured by a local athlete, Sanchit Sajwan, making it a proud moment for the community.
Remembering Tom Alter's Legacy
Tom Alter's roots in Mussoorie were deep. His parents were American Presbyterian Missionaries who had settled in the hill town. Alter spent his formative childhood years here and received his education at the renowned Woodstock School. Despite a busy career in Hindi films and theatre, he frequently made time to visit Mussoorie. During these visits, he would spend hours with friends, often sharing his ambitious desire to put Mussoorie on the global map for long-distance running. The accomplished actor and theatre artiste passed away in 2017 after a battle with skin cancer, but his vision for a Mussoorie marathon has now been triumphantly realized.
