From civilians to armed forces and police personnel participated in the 5th edition of the “Assam Rifles Half Marathon 2025" at the Headquarters of Directorate General Assam Rifles here in Meghalaya on Sunday to promote the "Fit India Movement".

Over 3,000 participants representing 26 States and two union territories cutting across age categories, reflecting the spirit of unity in diversity and promoting National Unity.

The Half Marathon was in three categories, Cloud Chase of 21 Km. Pine Path of 10 Km and Crystal Stream of 5 Km. Participation was in all age groups in each category. The overall participation was over 1900 with 347 in 21Km Half Marathon, 826 in 10 Km and 776 in 5 Km categories.

The runs were flagged off by Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera and Vibha Lakhera, President Assam Rifles Wives Welfare Association (ARWWA) for the 21 km category, Additional Director General of Assam Rifles, Maj Gen Jai Singh Bainsla, Executive Director & State head North East region and Zubin Garg, Chief General Manager (CGM), Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Mumbai flagged off the 10 km category and 5 Km category was flagged off by Brig & Sachindra Tiwari, Brigadier Administration, Headquarters DGAR.

The event was conducted against the scenic and majestic backdrop of the hills of the East Khasi District at Laitkor and was graced by dignitaries from the Government, Armed Forces and volunteers from all over the country.

The Half Marathon was organised in three categories: Cloud Chase (21 km), Pine Path (10 km) and Crystal Stream (5 km).

The overall participation was 3,038 runners, including 559 in the 21 km Half Marathon, 1,502 in the 10 km run and 977 in the 5 km run. Participants were awarded medals and certificates in recognition of their efforts alongwith commemorative T-shirts as souvenirs.

Cash prizes worth Rs. 20 lakhs were awarded to 48 runners across various categories. In addition, several consolation prizes were also distributed. Participants were provided with Medals, Certificates in recognition of their efforts and T-Shirts as souvenirs.

In the Overall Category, Sandeep Devrari of 20 Kumaon, Indian Army emerged as the winner in the 21 km (Men) category with a timing of 01 hour 07 minutes while Ms Tamsi Singh from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, won the 21 km (Women) category with a timing of 01 hour 23 minutes.

Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Surat Singh and his wife Nisha Singh, President Eastern Air Command, AFFWA graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Singh appreciated the enthusiasm and sporting spirit of the participants and spectators and presented prizes to the winners of the 21 km and 10 km categories.

The Assam Rifles popularly known as the “Sentinels of the North East,” remains committed to peace and development in the region and regularly conducts initiatives promoting the “Fit India Movement”.

Speaking on the occasion, Assam Rifles Chief, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera said that the event aims to foster a culture of wellness, fitness and togetherness in the North East and has witnessed remarkable growth, with participation more than doubling compared to last year.

He said the annual event—first conducted in 2021—has grown significantly in popularity among running enthusiasts across the country.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles extended its sincere gratitude to the State Government of Meghalaya and the event sponsors—Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, State Bank of India, YES Bank, IDFC First Bank, Tata Advanced Systems and the event organiser ISL—for their invaluable support and for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.