Itanagar, Oct 24: More than 4,500 runners from across the country participated in the fourth edition of the Tawang Marathon on Saturday, turning the high-altitude sporting event into a celebration of fitness, endurance, sportsmanship and national unity.
Held at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium, the marathon featured four categories — 5 km, 10 km, 21 km half marathon and 42 km full marathon — attracting athletes, fitness enthusiasts, armed forces personnel and local residents.
The 42 km race was flagged off at 5.30 am by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini in the presence of MLAs Tsering Lhamu and Namgey Tsering, Gajraj Corps General Officer Commanding Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla, Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and other civil and military officials. Bollywood actor Amit Sial attended the event as guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Jini congratulated the participants and commended the district administration, Indian Army and organising team for the successful conduct of the event. He said the marathon promoted fitness, discipline, determination and national pride while encouraging young people to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Highlighting Tawang's potential for adventure sports and tourism, the minister said the event demonstrated the district's suitability for hosting major sporting competitions. He also acknowledged the Indian Army's contribution to safeguarding the country's borders and supporting local communities.
Sial praised Tawang's natural beauty and the initiative behind the marathon, expressing hope that participants would return for future editions to experience the region's landscape, culture and hospitality.
A cultural programme featuring local folk artists and Indian Army personnel added to the celebrations, showcasing the region's traditions and the spirit of camaraderie between the armed forces and the local community.
Provisional results were announced and the top three finishers in each race category were felicitated.
In the men's full marathon, Anish Thapa Mager secured the winner's title by completing the race in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 51 seconds, followed by Mukesh Kumar (2:42:41) and Nikhil Santosh Singh (2:49:46). Binita Kami won the women's full marathon in 3:53:31, ahead of Samjana Subba (3:59:33) and Dakahi Kyndait (4:08:31).
In the men's half marathon, Raghunandan Singh Kumanya finished first in 1:16:53, followed by Arif Ali (1:18:46) and Anand Singh Rawat (1:18:56). Anjuli Subba won the women's category in 1:35:07, ahead of Munni (1:36:00) and Pooja Verma (1:37:03).
Jeevan Singh topped the men's 10 km race in 35:56, while Neha Patil won the women's category in 48:35. In the 5 km race, Gopal Singh Lamgariya won the men's event in 18:15, while Khushboo Nishad topped the women's category in 26:15.
Organisers clarified that the results were provisional and subject to further scrutiny and verification.
The event was organised to promote fitness, adventure sports and tourism while showcasing Tawang's scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. Its successful conduct reflected the combined efforts of the district administration, Indian Army, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, volunteers and other stakeholders.