The much-awaited fifth edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon will be staged on December 14 in Shillong, Meghalaya, this year, the organisers announced during a press conference at the Constitution
Club of India here on Saturday.
Organised by the Assam Rifles, one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India - established in 1835 - and operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the event was first held in 2021 to promote fitness, camaraderie and public engagement through sports.
The fifth edition will feature more than 3000 runners competing in three different distances - 5km, 10km and 21km - from the age of 12 to 60+ years. The runners will not only be able to showcase their endurance at the most picturesque route of upper Shillong but also compete for a whopping Rs 20 lakh in prize money. The organisers also unveiled the finisher medal, grey and maroon jersey and the route of this year's Assam Rifles Half Marathon.
MESSAGE BY HQ DG ASSAM RIFLES
Speaking on the occasion, officer representative of HQ DG Assam Rifles - Col. Navjot Singh (SM) - read out during the occasion: "It gives me immense joy to announce the fifth edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon will be held in upper Shillong on December 14 this year. The event has become the most-awaited celebration of running in the North East with some estimated 3000-plus participants. Keeping this in mind, we have significantly increased the prize purse to Rs 20 Lakh. Our goal is not only to promote wellness and camaraderie amongst the Forces but also encourage the public at large to align with the vision of our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a fitter, healthier India. "
The other dignitaries present during the curtain raiser press conference were Sh Prashant Kumar (Tata Advanced Systems), acclaimed travel writer Sh Himanshu Talwar and Sh Krishna Kant Dubey (Founder & CEO - Innovative Sports & Leisure LLP).
Individuals with a passion for running can register themselves on https://www.townscript.com/e/assam-rifles-half-marathon-421022. Each participant shall receive a goodie bag, finisher medal and certificate showing their timing alongside the distance they ran for.
The 5km Run is open to all while the 10km race allows individuals from six age categories (12-18, 18-30, 30-40 years, 40-50 years, 50-60 years and 60+ years) to participate. Running enthusiasts in five age groups (18-30 years, 30-40 years, 40-50 years, 50-60 years and 60+ years) can compete in the half marathon (21km race).
