SHILLONG, DEC 14: Over 3,000 runners representing 26 states and 2 union territories across various age categories took part in the 5th Edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon 2025 on Sunday.
Organized by the headquarters of the Directorate General Assam Rifles, Laitkor, Shillong, the half marathon was held as a key initiative to promote the “Fit India Movement”. The annual event – first conducted in 2021 – has grown significantly in popularity among running enthusiasts across the country.
The half marathon, conducted against the scenic and majestic backdrop of the hills at Laitkor, was organised in three categories: Cloud Chase (21 km), Pine Path (10 km) and Crystal Stream (5 km).
The runs were flagged off by Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles & Mrs Vibha Lakhera, President ARWWA for the 21 km category Maj Gen Jai Singh Bainsla, SM, ADG Assam Rifles, Mr Satish Nambiar, Executive Director & State head North east region & Mr Zubin Garg, CGM (Corporate Comn) Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Mumbai flagged off the 10 km category and 5 Km category was flagged off by Brig & Mrs Sachindra Tiwari, Brigadier Administration, Headquarters DGAR.
Of 3,038 runners, 559 participated 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 ₹20 lakhs were awarded to 48 runners across various categories. In addition, several consolation prizes were also distributed.
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 Tamsi Singh from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, won the 21 km (Women) category with a timing of 01 hour 23 minutes.
Air Marshal Surat Singh, AVSM, VM, VSM, AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command and Nisha Singh, President Eastern Air Command, AFFWA graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
He 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, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, stated 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.
Assam Rifles also extends 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.
