Tawang International Marathon - the queen of high-altitude runs - is being jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government, showcasing the rock-solid civil-military bonhomie
Guwahati: The second edition of Tawang International Marathon is all set to be organised on October 24 at the strategic location of Tawang in the salubrious surrounding of the land of the rising sun - Arunachal Pradesh.
The event coincides with the United Nations Day - an annual commemorative day reflecting the official creation of the United Nations on October 24, 1945.
Tawang International Marathon - the queen of high-altitude runs - is being jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government, showcasing the rock-solid civil-military bonhomie.
Following the grand success of the inaugural edition in 2023, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on July 4 this year declared Tawang Marathon as an international calendar annual event to be organised jointly by Indian Army and the civil administration on October 24 every year.
Chief Minister Khandu - also the patron for the event - announced a grant-in-aid of Rs 2 crore to support the strength of more than 5,000 runners in the full and half marathon – 10-kilometre and five-kilometre runs.
The Tawang Marathon in high altitude of Arunachal Pradesh on October 24 carries a total prize money of more than Rs 60 lakh.
The website for Tawang Marathon - www.tawangmarathon was launched on July 10 this year with over 4,500 runners already registered for the exciting event at the border town.
Four months of intensive media campaign, eight promo runs, and two promotional stalls at major Indian cities and metros, not only popularised the run but also gave a significant boost to the mountain sports and adventure, and the tourism sector.
Preparations for the much-awaited mountain run began in early September.
With just three days remaining for the mega event, the Indian Army, Tawang district administration and the local populace eagerly awaits the participants at the ‘dawn-lit’ town.
The Tawang Stadium - venue for start and finish of the event - has been beautifully decorated.
It will witness an assembly of over 5,000 runners and numerous spectators.
The run will be flagged off at 5.30 am by CM Khandu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Gajraj Corps Lt Gen Gambhir Singh and other dignitaries.
On the sidelines of the event, cultural and army equipment display, selfie points, and inauguration of the Tawang Archery Node have been arranged.
The run would culminate with a colourful closing ceremony involving local cultural performances, addresses by dignitaries, and lastly felicitation of the winners.
