The fifth edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon will be staged on December 14 in Shillong this year, the organisers announced here on Saturday.
Organised by the Assam Rifles, one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India, 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.
Speaking on the occasion, officer representative of HQ DG Assam Rifles, Col. Navjot Singh (SM) said, “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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a fitter, healthier India,” he added.
The other dignitaries present during the curtain raiser were Prashant Kumar (Tata Advanced Systems), acclaimed travel writer Himanshu Talwar and Krishna Kant Dubey (Founder & CEO – Innovative Sports & Leisure LLP).