TAWANG, OCT 24:
More than 4,500 runners from across the country participated in the fourth edition of the Tawang Marathon, held at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Organised to promote fitness, adventure sports and tourism, the event featured four categories — 5 km, 10 km, 21 km half marathon and 42 km full marathon — bringing together athletes, fitness enthusiasts, armed forces personnel and local residents.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini flagged off the 42 km race at 5.30 am in the presence of MLAs Tsering Lhamu and Namgey Tsering, Gajraj Corps General Officer Commanding Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, senior Army officers, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Abu Tayeng, Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and other dignitaries.
Bollywood actor Amit Sial attended the event as the guest of honour.
A cultural programme featuring local folk artists and Indian Army personnel added to the occasion, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage and the camaraderie between the armed forces and local communities.
Addressing the gathering, Jini congratulated the participants and winners and commended the district administration, the Indian Army and the organising team for conducting the event. He described the marathon as a celebration of fitness, discipline, determination and national pride, and said sporting events could inspire young people to embrace healthy lifestyles and develop resilience.
The minister also acknowledged the Indian Army’s role in safeguarding the country’s borders and supporting local communities. He highlighted Tawang’s potential as a destination for high-altitude and adventure sports, adding that discipline, character and sportsmanship were as important as winning medals.
Sial thanked the organisers for inviting him to Tawang and praised the district’s natural beauty. He expressed hope that participants would return for future editions and experience the region’s landscape, culture and hospitality.
Race results
In the 42 km full marathon, Anish Thapa Mager won the men’s title in 2:38:51, followed by Mukesh Kumar (2:42:41) and Nikhil Santosh Singh (2:49:46). Binita Kami topped the women’s category in 3:53:31, ahead of Samjana Subba (3:59:33) and Dakahi Kyndait (4:08:31).
In the 21 km half marathon, Raghunandan Singh Kumanya won the men’s race in 1:16:53, followed by Arif Ali (1:18:46) and Anand Singh Rawat (1:18:56). Anjuli Subba secured the women’s title in 1:35:07, with Munni (1:36:00) and Pooja Verma (1:37:03) finishing second and third, respectively.
Jeevan Singh won the men’s 10 km race in 35:56, followed by Sanjay Singh (36:22) and Bhanu Pratap (36:37). Neha Patil topped the women’s category in 48:35, ahead of Jidalin Tympu (48:51) and Anamika Devi (51:04).
In the 5 km run, Gopal Singh Lamgariya won the men’s category in 18:15, followed by Akash (18:36) and Deepak Bisht (18:47). Khushboo Nishad won the women’s race in 26:15, with Amisha Sharma (27:28) and Nima Rema (27:29) taking the next two places.
The organisers said the results were provisional and subject to further scrutiny and verification.
The event highlighted Tawang’s growing appeal as a destination for high-altitude running and adventure sports, while promoting fitness and showcasing the district’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its successful conduct involved the district administration, the Indian Army, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, volunteers and other stakeholders.
