Dharamshala Marathon Attracts Nearly 1,000 Runners During Christmas Festivities

The Dharamshala Marathon, held on December 25, 2025, attracted around 1,000 participants, blending festive Christmas celebrations with a focus on health and fitness. The event, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle and combat substance abuse among youth. With enticing cash prizes for winners, the marathon showcased Dharamshala as a destination for sports and wellness tourism, drawing both locals and tourists to join in the celebration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 13:43 IST

Dharamshala Marathon Celebrates Fitness and Festivity

Pallavi Sharma
Dharamshala: On the morning of December 25, 2025, the Sai Stadium in Dharamshala, located in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, became a vibrant hub as close to 1,000 runners participated in the Dharamshala Marathon. The event coincided with Christmas celebrations, adding a festive atmosphere to the hill town.

Local residents and numerous tourists, who flocked to Dharamshala for the Christmas and New Year festivities, enthusiastically joined the marathon. Despite the chilly morning air, participants of all ages, including children with their parents, gathered at the starting line, ready to take part.

The marathon was officially launched by Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who emphasized the significance of physical fitness. He noted that events like this could help divert the youth from drug use and other substance-related issues that have become increasingly concerning in the region.

According to the organizers, the marathon aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle while highlighting Dharamshala as a prime location for sports and wellness tourism. To incentivize participation, attractive cash prizes were offered, with the winner receiving Rs 51,000, the first runner-up Rs 35,000, and the second runner-up Rs 25,000.