Tawang awaits the conduct of first ever Marathon at the ‘Land of Rising Sun, Arunachal Pradesh’ on 01 October 23. The inaugural edition has been able to attract around 2,500 participants from across the India and the globe for a unique physical fitness challenge & the venture at 10,000 feet above mean sea level in the lap of Himalayas. The event is being jointly organized by the Indian Army & Arunachal Pradesh Govt.
The event aims to place Tawang on international Marathon map and showcase the spirit of unity & shared commitment towards promotion of sports & healthy lifestyle, besides offering to the participants a unique & unforgettable experience. This will be first ever high-altitude marathon in the North-East and arguably the most challenging one in the nation.
The registrations had to be closed on 18 Sep 23, with overwhelming response from the participants representing 25 states. Remarkably, there are more than 550 women participants in the Tawang Marathon.
The event comprises various categories, enable participants to challenge their physical limits to include the ‘Prestigious’ Marathon (42.195Km), Half Marathon (21.0975 KM), 10 or 5 Km races. The prizes range upto Rs. 75,000/- in various categories of Open, Defence & Foreign in different age groups. While negotiating the curves of the Tawang Plateau, the runners will be exposed to awe-inspiring sights and experiences to treasure for rest of their lives.
The Marathon is being flagged off by Kiren Rijiju Minister of Earth Sciences, Pema Khandu Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and Lt Gen Manish, GOC Gajraj Corps on 01st October 2023 from the Tawang Stadium, The event will be graced by many other dignitaries to include MP Tapir Gao, Sh Mama Natung, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, ALP, Sh Taba Tedir, Hon’ble Education Minister of ALP besides Ms Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chair Person, Religare and Bollywood actor and celebrity Randeep Hooda.
All three services, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are fielding teams for the event. All the Central Armed Police Forces like ITBP, BSF, CRPF, BSF and SSB have also sent in their medal prospects.
In the run up to the main event, an ‘Expo’ is being organised from 27 Sep to 29 September near iconic Tawang War Memorial, where the participants are being briefed on modalities of conduct of the event, as well as Do’s and Don’ts while being handed over the participation kits and goody bags.
28 & 29 September 2023 will witness the conduct of a cultural extravaganza at the Kalawangpo Auditorium for participants of Marathon to showcase local culture & traditions through the cultural events & performances by local artists.
The fervour among the participants & locals is rising steadily to a crescendo with almost 800 locals & school children awaiting eagerly for the not so distant 01 Oct 23, a day of the new dawn for the extreme Marathoners.
Source: Indian Army