GUWAHATI: Brisk preparations are on to hold a high-altitude marathon on October 1 at a remarkable elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level in Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government are working together to stage the event.
The marathon will be flagged off by Union minister for earth science Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, GOC, Gajraj Corps Lt Gen Manish, on October 1 from the Tawang Stadium,
The event will be graced by many other dignitaries including MP Tapir Gao, sports minister Mama Natung, education minister Taba Tedir, besides Rashmi Saluja, executive chairperson, Religare and Bollywood actor and celebrity Randeep Hooda.
The inaugural edition has been able to attract around 2,500 participants from across the country and the globe for a unique physical fitness challenge and the venture at 10,000 feet above mean sea level in the lap of the Himalayas.
The event is being organized with support from Cyruns Sport LLP, a professional sports event management firm.
The event aims to place Tawang on the international marathon map and showcase the spirit of unity & shared commitment towards the promotion of sports and healthy lifestyle, besides offering the participants a unique & unforgettable experience.
This will be the first ever high-altitude marathon in the Northeast and arguably the most challenging one in the nation.
The registrations had to be 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, enabling participants to challenge their physical limits to include the ‘prestigious’ marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.0975 km), and 10 or 5 km races.
The prizes range up to Rs. 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 the rest of their lives.
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, as well as do’s and don’ts while being handed over the participation kits and goody bags.
