Aizawl, Feb 14: The second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM), jointly organised by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Mizoram, and Innovations India under the theme “Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports”, took place today. Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) actively participated by flagging off the runners and presenting awards as the chief guest at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Mualpui, Aizawl.
Expressing his delight at the successful hosting of the second edition, the Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh commended the participation of runners from various parts of India as well as international athletes from different countries. He highlighted that this strong turnout clearly demonstrates the event’s growing international stature and Mizoram’s rising recognition on the global sporting stage. He described the Aizawl International Half Marathon as an excellent platform to showcase Mizoram’s natural beauty, pristine environment, and excellent air quality.
The Governor emphasised that visitors from outside the state are not merely athletes but welcomed guests, encouraging them to enjoy their stay in Mizoram and return in future years not just to compete, but also to explore the state’s rich culture, heritage, and offerings alongside friends, family, and fellow runners. Viewing the marathon beyond a one-day sporting event, the Governor expressed hope that it would foster a broader commitment to fitness and healthy living among Mizoram’s youth. He aspired for it to inspire the adoption of a culture of health and fitness across Mizoram and the entire country. He praised the efforts of the Sports Minister, the Department of Sports & Youth Services, and Innovations India, expressing confidence that AIHM would soon gain recognition and prestige as a globally acclaimed marathon event.
Sports & Youth Services Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar also addressed the gathering, congratulating all participants and noting that the Aizawl International Half Marathon continues to grow bigger and stronger with each edition. He affirmed the organisers’ commitment to making future editions even more grand and impactful.
The event was also attended by Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister Lalthansanga, Health Minister Lalrinpuii, Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthanga, MLA, Capt. Rahul Bali (CEO, Innovations India & Curator of AIHM 2026), and other dignitaries.
Nearly 3,000 athletes took part, with the race flagged off by the Governor at 6:30 AM from Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. The course started and finished at the stadium, passing through World Bank Road. The event featured nine categories: 21.1 km Half Marathon (Men & Women), 10 km Open Race (Men & Women), 5 km Fun Race (Men & Women), 5 km Junior Race (Boys & Girls), and 5 km Senior/Veteran Race (above 60 years). Besides participants from different parts of India, 16 international runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and France also took part in the event. A total prize pool of over Rs 15 lakh was distributed.
Winners of the Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026 (by category):
(A) HALF MARATHON RACE (21.1 km)
Women:
1) Renu Singh (India) – Chip Time: 01:21:22 (Rs 2,00,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Tsige Debay Tadese – Chip Time: 01:21:35 (Rs 1,50,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Marta Hirpato Yota – Chip Time: 01:21:36 (Rs 75,000 + Medal + Certificate)
Men:
1) Kemboi Kevin Kiprono (Kenya) – Chip Time: 01:06:28 (Rs 2,00,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Nafsen Ejeta Balcha – Chip Time: 01:06:38 (Rs 1,50,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Clinton Kibet Mutai – Chip Time: 01:06:39 (Rs 75,000 + Medal + Certificate)
(B) OPEN RACE (10 km)
Women:
1) KM Jyoti (Rs 75,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Anshika Lodhi (Rs 50,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Kavita (Rs 25,000 + Medal + Certificate)
Men:
1) Arif Ali (Rs 75,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Sachin Yadav (Rs 50,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Gyanesh Kumar Bind (Rs 25,000 + Medal + Certificate)
(C) FUN RACE (5 km)
Women:
1) Nisha Kumari Shaw (Rs 20,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Fulmoni Urang (Rs 12,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Tlangthanmawii (Rs 10,000 + Medal + Certificate)
Men:
1) Nitesh Chauhan (Rs 20,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Roni Kumar (Rs 12,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Ghoora Chauhan (Rs 10,000 + Medal + Certificate)
(D) JUNIOR RACE (5 km)
Girls:
1) First prize: Lalrintluangi (Rs 20,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Second prize: Lalremruati (Rs 12,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Third prize: Lalchhanchhuahi (Rs 10,000 + Medal + Certificate)
Boys:
1) Ricky Tlangthangpuia (Rs 20,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) Ezra Malsawmtluanga (Rs 12,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) Kennedy Vanlaldinpuia (Rs 10,000 + Medal + Certificate)
(E) SENIOR/VETERAN RACE (5 km)
1) Zothankhuma (Rs 20,000 + Medal + Certificate)
2) C. Lalengkima (Rs 12,000 + Medal + Certificate)
3) PC Lalrindika (Rs 10,000 + Medal + Certificate)
The inaugural edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon, held on April 26, 2025, successfully attracted around 1,500 participants. Recognised by the Athletics Federation of India and supported by the Sports Authority of India, the event serves not only as a competitive platform but also as an opportunity to promote Mizoram’s scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and heritage to visitors. Included in the Tourism Event Calendar 2026, it significantly boosts sports tourism in the state.
