Aizawl: The Aizawl International Half Marathon is set to draw a strong global presence this year, with over 20 professional international runners confirming participation in the February 14 race, Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar announced on Wednesday.
The second edition of the event, organised by the state sports department in partnership with Innovations India, will feature elite athletes from distance-running powerhouses such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, England and France.
Hmar said the state government is coordinating with central authorities to secure Protected Area Permits (PAP) to facilitate the entry of foreign athletes into Mizoram.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition held in April last year, which attracted around 1,500 participants from across the country, the 2026 race is being scaled up significantly in both participation and profile.
The marathon has been formally integrated into Mizoram’s 2026 Tourism Event Calendar, positioning it as a platform to showcase the state’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
Hmar said the recent extension of the railway line up to Sairang near Aizawl is expected to boost accessibility and drive record attendance from domestic and international visitors.
Describing the event as more than a sporting competition, he said the marathon aims to promote a culture of fitness among the Mizo people while offering visitors a window into the state’s lifestyle and traditions.
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The event has received approval from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
It will be flagged off by Governor Vijay Kumar Singh from Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on the eastern outskirts of Aizawl.
The marathon will feature nine race categories, allowing participation across age groups ranging from 10 years to above 60. The current edition carries a total prize pool of over Rs 15 lakh.
While online registration closed on Wednesday evening, offline registration and bib collection will take place at Lammual on February 12 and 13.
The official jerseys for the marathon were unveiled earlier in the day by state Home Minister K. Sapdanga.
As Report
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