Tawang: First High-Altitude Marathon Ready With 2,500 Participants

TAWANG: Tawang, a picturesque town in Arunachal Pradesh situated at a breathtaking 10,000 feet above sea level, is gearing up to host the inaugural high-altitude marathon of the North East region this Sunday. The event has attracted immense enthusiasm, with approximately 2,500 participants from various parts of India and abroad registering for this challenging marathon.

Notably, more than 500 women have registered for this landmark event. The marathon is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army, the Arunachal Pradesh government, and CYRUNS Sport LLP, a professional sports event management firm. Its primary objective is to put Tawang on the international marathon map, fostering unity, and promoting a healthy lifestyle while providing participants with an unforgettable experience.

This marathon marks a historic moment as it is the first high-altitude marathon in the Northeast region and is arguably one of the most challenging marathons in the country, according to the organizers. Registrations for the event closed on September 18, with participants representing 25 states.

The Tawang Marathon features various categories, including the 'Prestigious' full marathon covering 42.195 km, the half marathon covering 21.0975 km, and shorter races of 10 or 5 km. The organizers have allocated prizes up to Rs 75,000 across different categories, including open, defense, and foreign participants in various age groups.

The marathon will be inaugurated by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Lt Gen Manish, GOC, Gajraj Corps, at the Tawang Stadium. Prior to the main event, a three-day 'Expo' took place near the Tawang War Memorial, where participants received briefings on event logistics, do's and don'ts, and collected their kits and goody bags.

Additionally, two evenings of cultural extravaganzas were organized at the Kalawangpo Auditorium, featuring performances by local artists to showcase the region's rich culture and traditions. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had officially announced the marathon in June this year and registered himself as the first participant, marking the beginning of this exciting journey for Tawang and its participants.

Also Read: Manipur Crisis: AFSPA is No Solution, Says Irom Sharmila

Also Watch: