Arunachal’s Tawang All Set To Host India’s First High-Altitude Marathon At 10,000 Ft Above Sea Level  

Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang is all set to host India’s first high-altitude marathon at 10,000 feet above sea level on October 1. 

Guwahati: The picturesque district of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is all set to host India’s first-ever high-altitude marathon on October 1 this year. The inaugural edition of the event has attracted around 2,500 participants from across the country and the globe for a unique physical fitness challenge at 10,000 feet above sea level in the lap of the Himalayas.  

The event is being jointly organised by the Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh government. 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 press release.

It will be the first-ever high-altitude marathon in the entire northeastern region and probably the most challenging one in the country. The registrations had to be closed on September 18 this year with an overwhelming response from the participants representing 25 states. There are over 550 women participants in the marathon, the release added.

The event comprises various categories, enabling the participants to challenge their physical limits, which includes 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, it said.

The marathon will be flagged off by Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and General Officer Commanding (GOC), Gajraj Corps, Lieutenant General Manish, on October 1, from the Tawang Stadium, the release further stated.

The Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are fielding their respective teams for the event. Moreover, all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have also sent in their medal prospects.

The fervour among the participants and locals is rising steadily to a crescendo with almost 800 locals and school children eagerly waiting for the event.