Sikkim Soldierathon: Thousands Run to Honor Soldiers' Valor and Foster Fitness Culture

KalimNews with inputs from PIB & IPR (Sikkim), Gangtok, October 27,2024 : The inaugural Sikkim Soldierathon, a Hill Half Marathon celebrating the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, was held with great success on October 27, 2024, at Gangtok’s Paljor Stadium. Organized by the Eastern Command and Trishakti Corps in partnership with ‘Fitistan: Ek Fit Bharat,’ the event embodied the theme “Run with our Soldiers,” aimed at bolstering the bond between the Indian Army and the public while promoting fitness and sports tourism in the picturesque state of Sikkim.

The marathon attracted over 1,500 participants from 29 cities across 12 states, spanning three race categories: 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km. The event’s engaging atmosphere was further energized by vibrant cultural performances, highlighting India’s diverse heritage. Each participant received promotional items and a finisher’s medal, while winners were awarded attractive prizes.

Addressing participants, Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, stated, “Every step you take is a tribute to the valor and sacrifice of our soldiers guarding these borders. I am honored to be part of this new initiative to promote a ‘Fit India’ and strengthen the bond between the Indian Army and our citizens.” Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, GOC, 33 Corps, echoed this sentiment, calling the Soldierathon a unique chance for citizens to run alongside soldiers who safeguard the nation around the clock.

The 21 km event saw spirited competition across various age categories, with winners awarded prizes and all participants receiving medals and mementos. Noteworthy winners included:

21 km Male (Above 40, Defense): 1st - Radha Krishnan; 2nd - Laxmi Kant Yadav; 3rd - Shanker

21 km Male (Below 40, Defense): 1st - Sikander Telkhare; 2nd - Gul Singh; 3rd - Kushal Purja

21 km Female (Below 30, Civilian): 1st - Sumana Devnath; 2nd - Dipika Tewari

21 km Male (Above 50, Civilian): 1st: Karma Sherpa, 2nd: Samdup Bhutia, 3rd: Pawan Dhaka

21 km Civilian Male (40-50): 1st: Beepen Khawas, 2nd: Samdup Lama, 3rd: Anup Baniya

21 km Civilian Male (30-40): 1st: V.K. Baliyan, 2nd: Sujan Lama, 3rd: Kunelan Manger

21 km Civilian Male (Below 30): 1st: Vagu Prajapati, 2nd: Satish Kumar, 3rd: Robin Bisht

21 km Civilian Female (Below 30): 1st: Sumana Devnath, 2nd: Dipika Tewari

21 km Civilian Female (30-40): 1st: Sarala Rai, 2nd: Alina, 3rd: Chungmit Lepcha

21 km Civilian Female (40-50): 1st: Shanti Rai, 2nd: Bharati Gurung, 3rd: Bhavana Thakuri

10 km Marathon Civilian Male (Above 50): 1st: Kamal Thapa, 2nd: Tseten Bhutia, 3rd: Mahindra Dalara

10 km Civilian Male (40-50): 1st: Umesh Subba, 2nd: Tejkumar Gurung, 3rd: Pukar Yolmo

10 km Civilian Male (30-40): 1st: Krishna Singh, 2nd: Kwan Chung, 3rd: Samesh Rai

10 km Civilian Male (Below 30): 1st: Phurba Sherpa, 2nd: Nayan Lepcha, 3rd: Akash H

10 km Civilian Female (Above 50): 1st: Sangita Rai, 2nd: Tonzi Tsong, 

10 km Civilian Female (40-50): 1st: Sushimata Rai, 2nd: Yangki Tamang, 3rd: Lakshim Gurung

10 km Civilian Female (30-40): 1st: Ranjana Subba, 2nd: Prizula Gautam, 3rd: Nima Pakhril

10 km Civilian Female (Below 30): 1st: Riya Tamang, 2nd: Pranuja Pradhan, 3rd: Deepshik Pradhan

10 km Civilian Female (Below 40): 1st: Vivek Pathak, 2nd: Rahul Bishit, 3rd: Santosh Kumar

10 km Civilian Female (Above 40): 1st: Chanelan Singh, 2nd: Jaisingh Mali, 3rd: Huidrom Singh

The event’s closing ceremony honored winners with medals and promotional items, presented by Mr. M T Sherpa, Secretary of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, and other distinguished guests, including Mr. Tushar Nikhare, District Collector of Gangtok; Major General Amit Kabthiyal, GOC of the 17th Mountain Division; and Dronacharya Awardee Mrs. Sandhya Gurung.

As participants crossed the finish line amid cheers, the Sikkim Soldierathon concluded with a message of resilience, determination, and appreciation for the Indian Army’s commitment to the nation, establishing it as an inspiring annual event for citizens and soldiers alike.