The second edition of the International Tawang Marathon, jointly organised by the Army and the Arunachal Pradesh government to promote sports and the tourism potential of the frontier state bordering China, on Thursday saw the participation of 4,580 runners from India and abroad.

Alamu Tadasa Gido from Ethiopia won the 42-km marathon for men.

The Army said the Tawang Marathon provided an economic and cultural boost to the region with thousands of participants and visitors, greatly benefitting local businesses, particularly in tourism and hospitality, and it has also "firmly established Tawang on the global marathon map".

“Congratulations to all participants and winners of the #TawangMarathon! The 2nd edition, held at 10,000 feet above sea level at the Gyalwa Tsayang Gyatso High Altitude Stadium, was truly unforgettable with 4,500 runners from across India and the globe,” Arunachal Pradesh chief minister posted on X, promising the marathon would “grow bigger and better every year” while praising the athletes from Ethiopia for their impressive victories in the 42km and 10km categories.

According to the organisers, the marathon presented a significant challenge, with runners navigating steep inclines and sharp descents that tested their endurance in the high-altitude terrain. Of the 4,580 participants from 27 states across India and two friendly foreign nations, there were 1,199 women.

The army said the event showcased Tawang’s potential as a world-class adventure tourism destination while highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the area. "Visitors had the unique opportunity to experience the traditions and lifestyle of the Monpa community,” the Army said, adding the atmosphere was "electric".

Tawang’s strategic location makes it a focus area of China which continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh to be an extension of South Tibet.

Tawang had fallen to Chinese troops during the 1962 Indo-China war but the troops withdrew in November, just over a month after taking over, after declaring a ceasefire.

A lot has changed since in Tawang which is trying to position itself as a leading tourism destination. Apart from its serene beauty, it is famous for the Tawang Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in India.

The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Gajraj Corps also ran alongside the participants, highlighting the spirit of unity and collaboration that defined the event.

An 80-year-old runner from Mumbai participated, showcasing the event’s appeal to individuals of all ages, the Army said, adding the marathon also “strengthened” ties between the local population, the Indian Army, and the government.