Dehradun: Winners across various categories of the Niti Extreme Ultra Run were felicitated on the second day of the three-day event, jointly organized by the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Niti Valley. The final day on Tuesday will feature a 30-kilometer mountain biking challenge between Gamsali and Malari, with more than 100 participants expected to take part.
Participation and Categories
Over 1,200 participants from 27 states took part in the event, competing across five categories: 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km, and 75km. A total of 160 participants competed in the 75km ultra run, 155 in the 42km marathon, 215 in the 21km half marathon, 210 in the 10km run, and 260 in the 5km fun run.
Felicitations and Virtual Address
The winners were felicitated by Tourism Secretary Dhiraaj Garbyal. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the prize distribution ceremony virtually and emphasized that the event would help promote tourism and strengthen the local economy in border areas. Dhami stated that the event, organized under the Vibrant Village Programme, is showcasing the tourism potential of remote border regions and creating employment opportunities for local residents. He added that the programme is also contributing to reverse migration by improving basic infrastructure and economic activity in these areas.
Growth in Homestays
The Chief Minister noted that the number of homestays in the Niti area has increased from 35 to over 450, reflecting growing tourist interest in the region. “The ultra run, organized at an altitude of 11,000 feet, has emerged as a symbol of the courage, energy, and confidence of our youth. This awakening of Niti Valley is not merely an event, but a new chapter of self-respect, self-reliance, and confidence in border areas,” Dhami said.
Future Plans
Garbyal remarked that the event received an encouraging response from participants across the country. “This was the second such event after the Adi Kailash run. Following the positive response, we plan to organize similar sporting activities in higher reaches, particularly in border areas,” he said.
About the Author: Kautilya Singh, a Senior Assistant Editor at TOI with an inclination towards political reporting, covers the Chief Minister's office, Congress, and Tourism.
