Half-marathon at Asia’s highest village

Dippender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 16

To make an entry into the Asia Book of Records, the Kaza administration in Lahaul-Spiti will organise a half-marathon at Komik village on August 19 on the occasion of three-day Ladarcha festival in Kaza to spread the message of cleanliness among the masses. Ladarcha festival will kick start on August 17 and conclude on August 19.

Komik is the highest village in Asia, situated at a height of 18,000 feet above sea level. The Kaza administration has decided to organise the half-marathon at the altitude ranging from 4,530 m to 4,700 m above the sea level from Komik to Demul village to lead the message of cleanliness. This will be the first-ever half-marathon to be organised at such a high altitude, where participants may suffer from high altitude sickness.

To avoid any untoward incident during the marathon, the Kaza administration has decided to allow participation of only medically fit persons. The participants will have to produce their birth certificates and medical fitness certificates for registration. A participant should be 18 and not above 50 years of age. A sum of Rs 1,000 will be charged as registration fee and only 150 persons will be allowed to take part in the marathon.

Talking to The Tribune, SDM Kaza Jeevan Singh Negi said that the half marathon would begin at 7am and cover 21.1 km. “Only medically fit persons will be allowed to take part because at such a high altitude, a physically unfit participant may suffer from breathlessness because the level of oxygen remains. The event will be recorded in the Asia Book of Records. The marathon will be dedicated to spreading the message of cleanliness because Kaza is a tourist destination, which needs sanitation.” The SDM stated that apart from this, a talent hunt has been introduced in the fair for the youth of Spiti region to give them an opportunity to display their talent. The audition will be organised and selected candidates will be given an opportunity to sing during a star night to display their talent and entertain the audience.

“Apart from this, the key attraction of the event will be selection of Ladacha queen, in which candidates of Lahaul Spiti will be allowed to take part in beauty pageant,” he remarked.

“The picturesque Lahaul and Spiti valley embraces several treasures in its vicinity and Komik is one such place, which is set beautifully amid the stunning mountains. It attracts countless tourists who simply want to get drenched in its breathtaking beauty and charming festivity,” said the SDM.