Arunachal CM inaugurates Tawang International Marathon, draws 4,500 runners from across India

In a spectacular event today, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, alongside General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Gajraj Corps Lt Gen Gambhir Singh, flagged off the Tawang International Marathon. Dubbed the 'Queen of High-Altitude Runs,' the marathon saw the participation of 4,500 runners from across India and around the globe, near the Indo-Tibet border.

Held at an impressive altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Tawang Marathon is a testament to the enduring spirit of its participants. The event, jointly organized by the Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government, highlights the strong civil-military cooperation in the region. This year's theme, 'Peace & Unity,' resonates deeply with the marathon's mission.

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Marking its second edition, the marathon coincides with United Nations Day, commemorating the establishment of the UN on October 24, 1945. 

Following the success of the inaugural marathon in 2023, Chief Minister Khandu declared the Tawang Marathon an annual international event on July 4 this year. He announced a grant-in-aid of Rs 2 crore to support over 5,000 runners participating in various categories, including the full and half marathons, as well as 10-kilometre and five-kilometre runs.

The Tawang Marathon, with a total prize pool exceeding Rs 60 lakh, continues to attract a growing number of participants. The official website, launched on July 10, has already registered over 4,500 runners, underscoring the event's popularity and significance in the high-altitude town of Tawang.