Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu flagged off the first Tawang Marathon from High Altitude Stadium in Tawang on Sunday. The event is being jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government. Around 2,500 participants from across the country and abroad registered for one of India's most challenging routes in its maiden year. There are over 550 women participants in the marathon.
The event comprises various categories, enabling the participants to challenge their physical limits, which include the prestigious marathon (42.195 kilometres), half marathon (21.0975 kilometres), and 10 or five-kilometre races. The prize money ranges up to Rs 75,000 in various categories of open, defence, and foreign in different age groups.
Kiren Rijiju hailed the marathon and said that everybody should participate in these kinds of marathon events. "I am happy and excited to see such a huge marathon being organised at Tawang... Everybody should participate in these kinds of marathon events."
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu said that the Army has extended big support in organising this, and big companies want to sponsor the marathon now. "I feel very proud. The Army has extended big support in organising this Tawang Marathon. Big companies want to sponsor the marathon now."
The event aims to place Tawang on the international marathon map and showcase the spirit of unity and shared commitment towards the promotion of sports and healthy lifestyle besides offering a unique and unforgettable experience to the participants, the Indian Army said in a statement.