Intro:

The second Afghan Ski Challenge, featuring international competitors for the first time, has taken place.

Held in the central province of Bamiyan in Afghanistan and founded by the region's first ski club, the five-kilometre part-hike, part-ski race began on Friday.

A local named Khalil won in 44 minutes and 12 seconds.

Script:

This part of Afghanistan hasn't been touched by war since 2001.

Bamiyan is a beautiful part of the country, enjoyed by locals.

And now they're hoping others will be able to enjoy it too.

The first province in Afghanistan to have a tourist board, Bamiyan's turning to sport to raise it's profile.

Last year the region's first ski club launched the Afghan Ski Challenge.

And just 10 locals took part.

12 months on that was up to 15 entrants, including six from outside Afghanistan.

The seven kilometre challenge takes place over ungroomed powdered slopes that cross over the frozen Band-e-Amir Lake and mountains as high as 5,000 metres

The free-ski entrants have to pay 500 US dollars to take part, apart from Afghans who compete for free.

The proceeds will support the promotion of skiing and education projects in the Bamiyan region.

SOUNDBITE (English)

SUPERCAPTION: Habiba Sarabi, Governor of Bamiyan Province

"This the good governance that can give a good example of security, and security will bring everything, harmonization of every activity: sport, which is a sign of peace. So I am proud of that, and the Bamiyan people are proud of this event and this moment."

Many of the Afghans crossed the finish line before some of the 'internationals' had even reached the top of the peak.

The victor - a local known as Khalil - sped down the run in just 44 minutes and 12 seconds.

All nine Afghans were first to cross the line with Switzerland's Gabriel Shohet the fastest international.