ITANAGAR: Tawang, a pristine region nestled in the Himalayan heights of Arunachal Pradesh, made history on Sunday as it hosted India’s first high-altitude marathon at the Tawang High Altitude Stadium.
Arjun Pradhan, representing the Indian Army, emerged as the champion, conquering a gruelling 42 km course in an astonishing 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 3 seconds.
The inauguration of marathon was jointly presided over by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. A collaborative effort of the state government and the Indian Army, a remarkable 2,500 participants officially took part in the inaugural edition of the marathon.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju commended the successful collaboration between the Indian Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government. His words reflected his delight at witnessing the enthusiastic participation in the Tawang Marathon. “Tawang Marathon is one of the most exciting marathons organized at the altitude of over 10,000 feet!” he wrote in a popular micro-blogging website.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, expressing his exhilaration, declared that the event would soon become a recurring calendar event.
Taking to a popular micro-blogging website, he said, “A grand achievement at an altitude of 10,000 feet! Come, immerse yourself into the pulse of this unique race, which is going to become a calendar event, starting next year. You are missing the vibrant essence of life if you are not in Tawang.”
Chief Minister Khandu also acknowledged the participation of female runners from across the nation, extending his best wishes to all participants.
Notably, the Tawang marathon unfolded against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions earlier in the year when China published a “standard map”, asserting territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin.
Despite these developments, the sentiments expressed by the villagers in places such as Sengnup, Kharseneng, and Grengkhar under the Tawang sector were characterised by contentment and security. They attributed their sense of safety to the Indian Army and the prevailing government.
Held at an impressive altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Tawang marathon stood out as one of the most challenging marathon routes in India. Entries for the marathon poured in from 25 Indian states, including participants from all three branches of the armed forces – the Army, Navy, and Air Force – along with central armed police forces such as the ITBP, BSF, CRPF, and SSB.
