By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 15 Sep: Mussoorie is slowly adding a new identity to its tourism profile. Known for its scenic beauty, pleasant weather and colonial charm, Mussoorie is now looking to emerge as a destination for running, fitness and adventure tourism. The second edition of the Mussoorie Ultra Marathon will be held on 29 November, carrying forward a dream once envisioned by renowned actor and Padma Shri awardee Tom Alter, who wanted to see the hill town develop as a major running and fitness destination.
The official T-shirt of the event was launched at the Mussoorie Municipal Board auditorium on Tuesday by Municipal Board president Meera Saklani and event organiser and Mussoorie Hotel and Restaurant Association President Sandeep Sahni, marking the formal beginning of preparations for the second edition.
According to Sandeep Sahni, Tom Alter had envisioned an ultra marathon in Mussoorie that could connect the town with sports, fitness and healthy living. Although the dream could not be realised during his lifetime, local residents and organisers decided to take it forward.
The first edition of the Mussoorie Ultra Marathon was held in 2025 and attracted runners not only from different parts of India but also from abroad. Encouraged by the response, the organisers have expanded the event this year.
The second edition has been designed to accommodate runners with different levels of experience and fitness. The event will feature five categories — 50-km Ultra Marathon, 42.4-km Full Marathon, 10-km, 5-km and 1-km runs.
While the 50-km ultra will test experienced endurance runners on the challenging mountain terrain, the shorter categories are expected to attract fitness enthusiasts, beginners, young participants and local residents.
Organisers said more than 300 runners from outside Mussoorie have already registered for the event. Registration is now also being opened for local residents.
The organisers are expecting the total participation to reach 600-700 runners. If the target is achieved, the event could turn November 29 into a major sporting day for the hill town, with runners from different parts of the country taking over Mussoorie’s roads.
The organisers believe the event can create a new dimension to Mussoorie’s tourism economy. Runners travelling from other cities are likely to arrive with family members and friends, generating additional business for hotels, restaurants, taxis, local markets and other tourism-related services.
Unlike conventional sightseeing, the marathon will allow participants to experience Mussoorie and its surrounding hills while running through the mountain landscape. This could also help introduce lesser-known areas around the town to visitors.
Municipal Board President Meera Saklani said last year’s event received an encouraging response, with people from different age groups participating enthusiastically. She herself took part in the 5-km race.
She said events of this nature encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles while giving visitors an opportunity to experience Mussoorie from a different perspective. She assured the organisers of all possible support from the Municipal Board.
Mussoorie’s altitude and mountainous terrain give the event a character that is very different from conventional road races held in the plains. For runners, the uphill stretches and high-altitude conditions add an element of endurance and adventure, while the surrounding Himalayan landscape provides a unique experience.
The organisers see the event as an effort to promote the concepts of Fit India, walking and high-altitude running, while simultaneously strengthening sports and adventure tourism in the region.
The event is being organised with the support of the Mussoorie Sports Association, Uttarakhand government and Tourism Department, along with support from PIKU sports.
On the occasion Roop Chand Guruji, Rajat Kapoor, Rajat Aggarwal, Suresh Goyal, Mintuu, Vijay Sangram, Deepak and many others were also present.
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