Chief Minister Dhami Flags Off Adi Kailash Parikrama Run; Unveils Logo for Ultra Marathon in Vyas Valley.
Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run (Ultra Marathon) promo event and unveiled its official logo at his residence. The grand Adi Kailash Marathon is scheduled to be held in Gunji village, Pithoragarh district, on November 2, 2025, coinciding with the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of Uttarakhand’s statehood.
The Chief Minister said the marathon, being held at an altitude ranging from 10,300 to 15,000 feet in the Vyas Valley, will not only promote adventure and winter tourism but also motivate youth towards fitness and contribute to building a drug-free Uttarakhand.
A Milestone for Border Development
CM Dhami emphasized that the Adi Kailash Marathon will serve as a milestone in the socio-economic development of border areas, helping tackle the issue of migration, generating employment for local youth, and strengthening tourism infrastructure. He added that the event aligns with the objectives of the Vibrant Village Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to accelerate development in border regions.
“The marathon is not merely a sporting event, but a medium to provide respect, recognition, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to border communities through homestays, tourism, and cultural promotion,” Dhami stated. “It will also showcase Uttarakhand’s natural and cultural heritage at both national and international levels.”
Promo Run Concludes in Dehradun
Children, youth, and citizens of all age groups participated enthusiastically in the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run promo event, which concluded at the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDC) office.
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal announced that the top three winners of the 10 km promo race will secure direct entry into the Adi Kailash Marathon at Gunji. The mega event will feature five categories –
👉🏻 60 km Ultra Run
👉🏻 42 km Full Marathon
👉🏻 21 km Half Marathon
👉🏻 10 km Run
👉🏻 5 km Run
Athletes from across India are expected to participate, making it one of the most high-altitude competitive marathons in the country.
Future Roadmap & Prize Money
Garbyal further revealed that following the successful organization of the Gunji marathon, another high-altitude marathon is planned in the Mana–Niti Valley in June 2026. A total prize money of ₹50 lakh has been allocated for winners across categories in the upcoming Vyas and Niti Valley marathons.
Dignitaries Present
The launch event witnessed the presence of Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, IG ITBP Sanjay Gunjyal, Additional Secretary Tourism Abhishek Ruhela, Pooja Garbyal, and several participants who expressed excitement for the historic event.
