ITANAGAR, September 28, 2026: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday launched the new logo, official T-shirt, finisher medal and mascot of the Tawang Marathon 2026, along with the event’s official website and registration platform, at a function held at the Chief Minister’s Office in Itanagar. The fourth edition of the high-altitude endurance event is scheduled to be held on October 24, 2026.
Organized by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh in close association with the Indian Army, the Tawang Marathon will bring together civilian runners and defence personnel on a challenging course located at approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 4,000 participants, including over 200 elite runners from across India as well as Kenya, Ethiopia and Nepal. The event will also see participation from amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, Pema Khandu said the Tawang Marathon was conceived not merely as a sporting event but as a platform connecting sports with Arunachal Pradesh’s Himalayan landscape, cultural heritage and local hospitality. He said the event also aims to showcase the state’s approach to responsible tourism.
“When we first envisioned Tawang Marathon, the idea was never just to organize a race. It was to create a platform where sport meets the majesty of our Himalayan landscape, where the culture and warmth of our people find a global stage, and where Arunachal Pradesh’s story of responsible tourism is told to the world,” Khandu said.
The Chief Minister said each element of the new marathon identity represents a distinct aspect of Tawang. According to him, the logo reflects the spirit of the mountains and its people, while the mascot represents the warmth of Tawang. The finisher medal symbolizes the grit and determination required to overcome the challenging altitude and terrain, while the official T-shirt is intended to carry the story of Tawang wherever participants travel.
The high-altitude course is expected to present a distinctive endurance challenge, with altitude, terrain and weather conditions requiring participants to prepare carefully. Runners are being encouraged to arrive in Tawang two to three days before race day to allow sufficient time for acclimatization, bib collection and medical guidance.
Preparations for the marathon include race operations, medical assistance, hydration and aid stations, with coordination among organizing authorities and local stakeholders. Runner preparedness, community participation and respect for the mountain environment have been identified as important components of the event.
Beyond sports, the Tawang Marathon 2026 is expected to contribute to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing sports tourism sector. The arrival of runners and their families could create opportunities for local hotels, homestays, transport operators, guides and other businesses associated with tourism.
The event will also offer visitors an opportunity to experience Tawang’s Monpa traditions, historic monastery and local hospitality, connecting the marathon experience with the region’s cultural and tourism attractions.
Khandu invited runners, sports enthusiasts and travellers from across India and abroad to participate in the fourth edition of the marathon and experience Tawang.
“I invite runners, sports enthusiasts, and travelers from across the country and beyond to come, experience Tawang, and be part of this remarkable journey,” he said.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the organizing team, VAS Coreworks LLP and all stakeholders involved in building the Tawang Marathon over the years.
Minister of Sports Kento Jini joined the programme through video conference. Abu Tayeng, Secretary, Sports; Akshat Kaushal, Special Secretary; and Tadar Appa, Director, Sports, were also present.
