Tawang Marathon invites the running fraternity for a high-altitude and high-voltage sports melodrama on October 24, 2024 to the land of the rising sun Tawang.
Guwahati: India’s one of the most challenging mountain running ventures - the glorious Tawang Marathon - invites the global running fraternity once again for the high-altitude and high-voltage sports melodrama on October 24, 2024 to the land of the rising sun – Tawang, in Arunachal Pradesh.
The mega event also coincides with the UN Flag Day, signifying a run for global peace in ongoing turbulent times.
The eagerly awaited event has in store bonanza of prizes worth Rs 60 lakh - thrice to that of the first edition in 2023.
The Tawang Marathon was announced by the Arunachal Pradesh government on July 4 this year on the event’s official website - www.tawangmarathon.com - which was activated on July 10 with state Chief Minister Pema Khandu being the first to register.
Registrations for the marathon are open with runners from across India lined up to make history by running at 9,000 feet.
The caring and hospitable local populace of Tawang – the Monpas, the Indian Army, and the district administration are all here with attractive tour and travel packages, and administrative arrangements to render treatment of traditional ‘Atithee Devo Bhava’ to the runners.
The largest among the Northeastern states - Arunachal Pradesh - has taken the initiative to organise the event jointly with the Indian Army.
An imaginative and futuristic initiative of the state government would infuse sportsmanship and competitive spirit running amongst the locals as well as the participants from across the country challenging their grit and endurance to brave the challenging terrain and rarer atmosphere.
File photo of the first edition of Tawang Marathon being flagged off in 2023
Tabos - the mascot – eagerly awaits and the marathoners alike for yet another celebratory run in the Himalayas during the festive season.
The clock is ticking with just 50 days to go and preparations are underway at unprecedented scale for the grand event.
Three promo runs have already been held at New Delhi, Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong and Assam’s Guwahati.
Information stalls were organised at Telangana’s Hyderabad and Maharashtra’s Satara to spread awareness for the run.
A YouTube channel shall also soon be launched for real-time updates.
Alongside the ace and mainstream marathoners, the armed forces’ runners will also participate in large numbers, offering healthy competition amidst celebrations.
The rock solid civil-military synergy at Tawang - a testimony to the bond between the Indian Army and Tawang’s local populace - will be on display for the world to witness the camaraderie.
Campaigns through various platforms have been set into motion to reach out to the marathoners inviting the best-in-class runners for availing this rare opportunity.
Clear blue skies, dawn-lit mountains, scintillating water of the streams, the virgin meadows and thickly wooded greens, overlooking the meandering Tawang River, altogether with the flora and fauna of the wonderland – Tawang - awaits a visit by all countrymen, especially the marathoners, for a lifetime experience
