Arunachal’s Tawang marathon draws over 6,000 participants in third edition

Tawang witnessed a surge of athletic spirit as the third edition of the Tawang Marathon concluded on October 24, attracting more than 6,200 participants from across India and abroad. The marathon, held at an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet, featured four categories — 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km — challenging runners to navigate the region’s rugged Himalayan terrain.

 

Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps, flagged off the event, highlighting its role in promoting fitness, adventure, and national integration in the Himalayan frontier.

 

The marathon saw participation from 1,200 women and girls and three international runners from Kenya, offering a vivid showcase of endurance and resilience. Competitors ran past the Tawang Monastery, Asia’s largest Buddhist monastery, and through cloud-kissed valleys, experiencing what organisers called “Running Above the Clouds.”

 

Tawang Deputy Commissioner, speaking to India Today NE, said the theme for this year’s event was “Strive for Sustainability,” reflecting the marathon’s growing focus on environmental awareness alongside physical achievement.

 

The event also drew strong local engagement, with civilians, students, and security forces, including the Indian Army, SSB, and ITBP joining to turn the marathon into a broader celebration of community and Himalayan culture.

 

Organisers said the Tawang Marathon 3.0 reaffirmed the spirit of determination, proving that high-altitude challenges can be met with preparation, courage, and collective enthusiasm.