Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the promotional run and unveiled the logo for the upcoming Adi Kailash Parikrama Ultra Marathon, scheduled to be held on November 2, 2025, in Gunji village, Pithoragarh district. The event marks a major highlight of Uttarakhand’s 25th Statehood Anniversary celebrations.
Our correspondent reports that the marathon will take place at altitudes ranging from 10,300 to 15,000 feet, making it one of the most challenging endurance events in the country. The Chief Minister described the initiative as a step not just for sports promotion but also for strengthening tourism, employment, and socio-economic development in the state’s border areas.
Dhami said, “Our effort is to promote Uttarakhand as a hub of adventure and winter tourism while motivating our youth towards healthy, drug-free lifestyles. This marathon will honor the residents of border villages, provide them with identity and opportunities, and also help curb migration by generating jobs.”
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister also linked the marathon with the Vibrant Village Programme, a central initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He said the run would act as a catalyst to bring new life to the state’s frontier settlements.
The promo run, flagged off from the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun, saw enthusiastic participation from children, youth, and people of all ages. The event concluded at the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council office, where senior officials lauded the spirit of the participants.
Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Gabryal informed that winners of the 10 km promo run would qualify for the main marathon in Gunji on November 2. He outlined the event’s five categories: 60 km Ultra Run, 42 km Full Marathon, 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Run, and 5 km Run. A total prize pool of ₹50 lakh has been set aside for winners.
Our correspondent reports that athletes from across India are expected to take part, bringing national attention to Uttarakhand’s remote Vyasa Valley region. He further noted that the event highlights the state government’s commitment to promoting sports tourism as a driver of local economic activity.
Tourism officials added that the next edition of the marathon is proposed for June 2026 in the Mana–Niti Valley, further expanding the reach of adventure sports in the state. The marathon series is being seen as a long-term effort to integrate Uttarakhand’s natural landscapes with national and international tourism platforms.
Our correspondent adds that Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, ITBP IG Sanjay Gunjyal, Additional Tourism Secretary Abhishek Roohila, and several dignitaries were present during the flag-off. The Chief Minister stressed that the event would serve as a milestone for the state’s tourism sector, offering new employment avenues through homestays, local hospitality, and cultural showcasing.
As Uttarakhand prepares for the Adi Kailash Parikrama Ultra Marathon this November, expectations are rising that the event will not only boost tourism but also give border villages a new sense of pride and recognition in the state’s 25th year.
