Tawang: Men, women and children of Tawang are all excited for the first ever Marathon at the western periphery of Arunachal Pradesh on October 1.
The inaugural edition has been able to attract around 2,500 participants from across the India and the globe for a unique physical fitness challenge and the venture at 10,000 feet above mean sea level in the lap of Himalayas.
The event is being jointly organized by the Indian Army and Arunachal Pradesh government in consultation with and support from CYRUNS Sport LLP, a professional sports event management firm.
The event aims to place Tawang on international Marathon map and showcase the spirit of unity and shared commitment towards promotion of sports and healthy lifestyle.
This will be first ever high-altitude marathon in the North-East and arguably the most challenging one in the nation.
The registrations closed on September 18, with overwhelming response from the participants representing 25 states. Remarkably, there are more than 550 women participants in the Tawang Marathon.
The event comprises various categories, enable participants to challenge their physical limits to include the ‘Prestigious’ Marathon (42.195Km), Half Marathon (21.0975 KM), 10 or 5 Km races.
The prizes range up to ₹75,000 in various categories of Open, Defence and Foreign in different age groups.
While negotiating the curves of the Tawang Plateau, the runners will be exposed to awe-inspiring sights and experiences to treasure for rest of their lives.
The Marathon will be flagged off by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and Lt Gen Manish, GOC Gajraj Corps on October 1 from the Tawang Stadium.
The event will be graced by many other dignitaries including BJP MP Tapir Gao, Mama Natung, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Taba Tedir, Education Minister and Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda.
All three services, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force are fielding teams for the event.
All the Central Armed Police Forces like ITBP, BSF, CRPF, BSF and SSB have also sent in their medal prospects.
In the run up to the main event, an ‘Expo’ is being organised from September 27 to 29 near the iconic Tawang War Memorial, where the participants are being briefed on modalities of conduct of the event.
