Scaling 15,000 feet and traversing a demanding 235 kilometers in just 27 hours over four days was no easy feat. Yet, this incredible challenge was met head-on and successfully completed by an outstanding team from Uttarakhand, breaking a world record in the process.
235 kilometers conquered in four days
In Uttarakhand's debut high-altitude relay race, 'The Himalayan Chase,' a team ran from Pithoragarh to Om Parvat and Adi Kailash over four days, covering a total of 235 kilometers. The running time was 27 hours and 7 minutes. The team, comprising youths from eight districts of Uttarakhand, included Everest conqueror Manish Kashniyal, Avijeet Jamloki, Sagar Devradi, Neeraj Samant, Akash Dobal, Pankaj Bisht, Yuvraj Singh Rawat, Rishabh Joshi, Rajat Joshi, Deepak Bafila, Vivek Singh Rawat, and Navneet Singh. Seven were runners, supported by a management and film crew.
Avijeet Jamloki recounted that the race commenced on September 27 from Pithoragarh amidst searing heat, making the run particularly challenging. Team members ran day and night, completing the first day by reaching Dharchula and covering 95 kilometers.
Source: aajtak
The second day saw the team completing a 62-kilometer journey from Dharchula to Budhi. On the third day, the race led them from Budhi to Om Parvat. Avijeet described the growing challenges as they ascended higher, dealing with deteriorating weather and the sheer effort required to draw breath after just ten steps. The high-altitude experience posed a stark contrast to their prior track experiences as they realized the extent of this monstrous challenge. After crossing through various rivers, streams, and mountains, reaching closer to Om Parvat felt like each step was akin to traversing several kilometers. On the third day, they ran from 9,000 feet to 13,000 feet, covering a total of 45 kilometers.
The Tricolor at 15,000 feet at Adi Kailash
On the fourth and final day, the team reached Adi Kailash from Gunji amid early morning rain and light snowfall. Even as the rain subsided, the uphill journey was relentless. Dealing with accumulated injuries and fatigue from the past days, the runners took painkillers to press on. However, upon reaching the summit with the Tricolor in hand and tears in their eyes, the team experienced an unforgettable moment, realizing their shared dream.
Source: aajtak
Governor acknowledges youth setting goals where walking is tough
Governor Gurmeet Singh met with the members of the Adventure Sports Association of Uttarakhand's team at the Governor's House to commend their triumph. Following the meeting, he tweeted about the team's ambition to tackle terrains challenging even for walking. Kritee Chandra Arya, district tourism officer, recounted flagging off the 12-member team from Dharchula tehsil on September 27. They've since sent documentation to register their world record achievement. A documentary on the event is also in development by the Association. The team's future goal is an even more grueling relay race in the Niti Valley near Badrinath, promising greater challenges ahead.
