The “Heritage Marathon” seeks to explore Kangra’s less-traveled roads

In order to highlight hidden and undiscovered locations in the area, the state tourist agency in the Kangra district has suggested a “heritage walk” in collaboration with the reputable Pune-based organization “Vrattanta Endurance and Sport.”

The company is experienced in organizing corporate and long-distance charity events. On March 10, a Sunday, the projected “Kangra Heritage Ultra Race” was arranged with the goal of boosting tourism in the Kangra area. It is anticipated that people from all walks of life will participate in and watch the event, which begins in Kangra town.

It is expected that competitors from around the nation and outside will take part in the event. As for Vinay Dhiman, Deputy Director of Tourism (Kangra), over a hundred runners have already verified their participation.

In an interview with The Tribune, he said, “This Heritage Walk would greatly enhance the region’s tourism industry.” Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation, R. S. Bali, will start the marathon on March 10 at the Polytechnic College. We anticipate 150 people to participate in total. The itinerary has been chosen with consideration for the valuable locations that possess all the necessary components to form an ideal tourism route.

The first-ever walk in the area, the projected path is expected to bring life to all the pristine historical sites along the way. The marathon will start at Mata Bajreshwari Mandir and end at Kangra Polytechnic College after stopping at important historical sites such as Kangra Fort, Mata Baglamukhi Mandir, the heritage villages of Haripur and Guler, the Masrur monoliths, and Bhorballi Village.

He said that since the whole route was uncharted territory, the runners would probably get a comprehensive understanding of the district’s rich cultural background.

He continued, saying that stories of old past wonders will undoubtedly resound on the quiet streets and serene alleys of the selected circuit, giving them life and producing a visual story.

The treks of 25, 50, and 100 kilometers are planned to conclude in Baglamukhi, Masrur, and return to Kangra, in that order. “For everyone taking part in the walk, walking in the footsteps of bygone centuries is nothing short of a fantastic journey. Local merchants will undoubtedly benefit from the event’s organizers’ engagement with them, and it is anticipated that this will serve as a catalyst for economic growth. It would also be beneficial for the tourist industry since runners will be coming from outside, he added.

“Kangra Heritage Ultra Race aims to promote health and wellness in the region through the empowering act of running,” said the race’s organizer, Mukesh Kaushal. This occasion will undoubtedly provide a special forum for drawing people’s attention to Kangra’s cultural and historical importance and instilling a feeling of pride in the younger generation.

Among the well-known runners taking part, he says, are Rakesh Kashyap, who has won many awards, including one for running 264 km; Dr. Vinit Kaura, a world-class Boston qualifier and Border Run finisher; Group Captain Angad Pratap; and Astronaut Gaganyaan.