Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: Nearly 1,000 runners took part in the Dharamshala Marathon organised at the Sai Stadium in Dharamshala, the district headquarters of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday (December 25, 2025) morning, lending a festive touch to the hill town as the event coincided with Christmas celebrations.
The marathon drew enthusiastic participation from locals as well as a large number of tourists who have thronged Dharamshala for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Despite the morning chill, runners of all age groups, including children accompanying their parents, were seen lining up at the starting point.
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri flagged off the marathon. Inaugurating the event, he underlined the importance of physical fitness and said such initiatives could play a crucial role in steering the youth away from drugs and other forms of substance abuse, which have emerged as a cause for concern in the hill state.
Organisers said the event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle while also showcasing Dharamshala as a destination for sports and wellness tourism. Attractive cash prizes were announced to encourage participation, with the winner taking home Rs 51,000. The first runner-up received Rs 35,000, while the second runner-up was awarded Rs 25,000.
