The serene yet challenging heights of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, are all set to come alive on 24 October 2025 with the Tawang International Marathon 2025 ,an extraordinary sporting event that promises to test endurance, celebrate athletic excellence, and promote unity through sports. Organized by the Tawang Brigade under the aegis of the Ball of Fire Division, in close collaboration with the Civil Administration, this marathon is much more than a race, it’s a celebration of resilience, discipline, and the indomitable human spirit.
Set at an altitude of 10,500 feet above sea level, the marathon route runs through breathtaking landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, and rugged terrain, offering participants a mix of scenic beauty and formidable challenge. Running in such high altitude demands not just physical strength but exceptional mental endurance due to lower oxygen levels and steep gradients, making the Tawang International Marathon one of the toughest long-distance events in the country.
The marathon features four categories- 5 km, 10 km, Half Marathon (21 km), and Full Marathon (42 km)-catering to runners of all levels while maintaining its competitive spirit. The event will witness participation from athletes of national and international fame, including several distinguished achievers from recent prestigious events across the region.
Among the notable participants are Hav Darshan Singh, 1st position holder in the 10 km category at the South Asian X Country 2023, and Sonam Stanzin, winner of the 10 km Spiti Marathon 2025. The Half Marathon (21 km) category will see participation from Asst Comdt Preeti Poswal of the Indian Coast Guard, winner of the Spiti Marathon 2025, and Lt Parul from the Indian Navy, runner-up in the same event. The Full Marathon (42 km) will feature Nk Tswewang Tamchos, 2nd position holder of the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon 2025, and Mr. Manjot Singh B, winner of the Spiti Marathon 2025.
Adding to the excitement are ultra-distance champions such as Mr. Het Ram, male winner of the 77 km Spiti Marathon 2025, Miss Tina Sahi, female winner of the same category, and Rfn Tsewang Kundan, winner of the 122 km Ladakh Marathon 2025.
International athletes from friendly nations will also join the event, enhancing its global stature and fostering camaraderie. The meticulous planning, logistical coordination, and safety arrangements led by the Tawang Brigade, in synergy with local authorities, underline the spirit of civil – military co- ordination.
(Ms. Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism)
