The majestic valleys of Uttarakhand echoed with the spirit of endurance, adventure, and national pride as the Indian Army successfully hosted the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge – a multi-day sporting event that brought together athletes, adventure enthusiasts, and changemakers to celebrate the soul of India’s Devbhoomi.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Uttarakhand’s pristine landscapes, this one-of-a-kind endurance event seamlessly blended the raw rush of adrenaline with the serene spirituality of the hills. Over three action-packed days, participants took on cycling, trail running, and road running challenges, traversing some of the most scenic yet demanding terrains the region has to offer.
The Indian Army Surya Devbhoomi Challenge was not just about pushing physical limits – it was a powerful platform to spotlight the Vibrant Villages Programme, a government initiative aimed at developing and energizing remote border villages in Uttarakhand. By taking the challenge through villages such as Nelong, Bhatwari, Boodha Kedar, Ghuttu, Triyuginarayan all the way till Sonprayag, this event put a spotlight on these often-overlooked gems, fostering rural tourism and empowering local communities.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Uttarakhand’s pristine landscapes, this one-of-a-kind endurance event seamlessly blended the raw rush of adrenaline with the serene spirituality of the hills. Over three action-packed days, participants took on cycling, trail running, and road running challenges, traversing some of the most scenic yet demanding terrains the region has to offer.
The Indian Army Surya Devbhoomi Challenge was not just about pushing physical limits – it was a powerful platform to spotlight the Vibrant Villages Programme, a government initiative aimed at developing and energizing remote border villages in Uttarakhand. By taking the challenge through villages such as Nelong, Bhatwari, Boodha Kedar, Ghuttu, Triyuginarayan all the way till Sonprayag, this event put a spotlight on these often-overlooked gems, fostering rural tourism and empowering local communities.
- Day 1 kicked off with a 105 km cycling trail from Nelong to Bhatwari, pushing riders through high-altitude passes and rugged terrain.
- Day 2 saw a 24.5 km trail run with an additional 11.5 km stretch from Bhatwari to Bhoodha Kedar, testing stamina and spirit.
- Day 3 offered the final challenge – a 34.7 km trail run from Ghuttu to Triyuginarayan, followed by a 6.6 km road run to Sonprayag, marking an emotional and exhilarating finish line.
The event was graced by distinguished members of the Indian Army, who welcomed more than 150 participants who went through the tough yet beautiful terrains of Uttarakhand. The flag-off was done by Lt Gen D G Misra, AVSM, GOC UB Area, thus giving a go-ahead to explore the adventure that was ahead, waiting to be explored.
SBI, a brand deeply rooted in national service and sustainability, partnered with the event. SBI’s support extended beyond sponsorship, championing the values of community upliftment and eco-responsibility, aligning seamlessly with the ethos of the challenge.
The Surya Devbhoomi Challenge was more than just a sporting event – it was a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of India, the resilience of our people, and the untouched beauty of our villages. As participants crossed finish lines, a powerful message resonated – adventure can uplift, empower, and unite.
In its debut year, the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge has not only set a benchmark in endurance sports but also ignited a movement to celebrate and sustain the essence of Uttarakhand.
