Winners felicitated at ‘Niti Extreme Ultra Run’ in border valley

Dehradun: Winners of various categories of the Niti Extreme Ultra Run were felicitated on the second day of the three-day event organised by the Army and ITBP in Niti Valley. A 30km mountain biking challenge between Gamsali and Malari will be held on Tuesday, the final day of the event, with more than 100 participants expected to take part.More than 1,200 participants from 27 states took part in the event, competing in the 5km, 10km, 21km, 42km and 75km categories. 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.The winners were felicitated by tourism secretary Dhiraaj Garbyal. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the prize distribution ceremony virtually and said the event would help promote tourism and strengthen the local economy in border areas.Dhami said the event, organised under the Vibrant Village Programme, was helping showcase the tourism potential of remote border regions and create employment opportunities for local residents. He added that the programme was also contributing to reverse migration by improving basic infrastructure and economic activity in these areas.The CM said the number of homestays in the Niti area had increased from 35 to more than 450, reflecting growing tourist interest in the region.“The ultra run, organised 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.Garbyal said the event had 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 organise similar sporting activities in higher reaches, particularly in border areas,” he said.