Assam Rifles hosts fifth edition of Half Marathon 2025 in Shillong, draws over 3000 runners

The Assam Rifles on Sunday, December 14 successfully organised the 5th Edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon 2025 at the Headquarters of the Directorate General Assam Rifles (DGAR), Laitkor, in Shillong. Conducted as part of the Government of India’s “Fit India Movement,” the annual sporting event has steadily grown in scale and stature since its inception in 2021.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the country, with 3,038 runners representing 26 States and two Union Territories, underscoring the spirit of national integration and unity in diversity. Participants competed across various age groups amid the scenic and picturesque surroundings of the East Khasi Hills.

The half marathon featured three race categories — Cloud Chase (21 km), Pine Path (10 km) and Crystal Stream (5 km). The 21 km race was flagged off by Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, along with Mrs Vibha Lakhera, President, ARWWA. The 10 km and 5 km categories were flagged off by senior officers and representatives of the armed forces and sponsoring organisations.

Of the total participants, 559 runners competed in the 21 km category, 1,502 in the 10 km run, and 977 in the 5 km event. All participants were awarded medals and certificates, along with commemorative T-shirts. Cash prizes worth ₹20 lakh were distributed among 48 winners across various categories, in addition to several consolation prizes.

In the 21 km Overall (Men) category, Mr Sandeep Devrari of 20 Kumaon, Indian Army, emerged victorious with a timing of 1 hour 7 minutes, while Ms Tamsi Singh from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, clinched the Women’s title with a timing of 1 hour 23 minutes.

The event was graced by Air Marshal Surat Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, and Mrs Nisha Singh, President, AFFWA (Eastern Air Command), who attended as Chief Guests. The Air Marshal lauded the enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by the participants and presented prizes to the winners of the 21 km and 10 km categories.

Reaffirming the Assam Rifles’ commitment to peace, development, and community engagement in the North East, Lt Gen Lakhera stated that the half marathon aims to promote wellness, fitness, and collective harmony, noting that participation has more than doubled compared to the previous year.

The Assam Rifles, fondly known as the “Sentinels of the North East,” also expressed gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya and event sponsors — Indian Oil Corporation Limited, State Bank of India, YES Bank, IDFC First Bank, Tata Advanced Systems, and event organiser ISL — for their support in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event