The Department of Health, Central Tibetan Administration, observed World Health Day with an open marathon race covering 8.4 km for men and 6.6 km marathon race for women on 7 April 2024.

In close coordination with the Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamshala, the Department of Health organised the open marathon to raise awareness about health and promote a healthy lifestyle. A total of 91 participants, 72 men and 19 females took part in the marathon.

Dharamshala’ SHO Shri Yadesh Kumar, Former mayor and councillor Shri Onkar Nehria, Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association president Shri Ajit Nehria and Secretary of Health Department Dawa Tsultrim flagged off the race to and fro from Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang to Dal Lake for men runner and Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang to Forsyth Ganj for women runner group.

While addressing the media, Secretary Dawa Tsultrim of the Health Department explained, “As people across the globe dedicate World Health Day as a day to raise awareness about one’s health, the Health Department attaches great significance to observing the day not only to raise awareness but also to remind Tibetans about inculcating an active lifestyle on a daily basis.”

The marathon brought participants from all walks of life, from retirees to students, salaried to self-employed, doctors to homemakers. A Tibetan school boy, Jigme Phuntsok, from Tibetan Children Village, Gopalpur, secured the first position with a cash prize of INR 5000. A student from Upper TCV Karma Tsering and a local resident Tenzing Yeshi secured second and third positions with cash prizes of INR 3000 and INR 2000, respectively. In the women’s runner group, Sonam Bhuti from the Tibetan news broadcast service Voice of Tibet stood in first position with a similar cash prize as the men’s group. Tenzin Dolma, a local resident, and Tenzin Norzin from TCV Gopalpur got second and third positions, respectively, with a cash prize as the men’s group.

The marathon event was supported by USAID through The Tibet Fund.