Major D.P. Singh, India’s first blade runner who lost one of his legs during the Kargil War, will power this year’s Darjeeling Hill Marathon, the biggest running event in the region that has also attracted international runners.

The run, organised by Darjeeling police, will be held in Darjeeling on December 3.

“Since the day is also celebrated as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, who better than Maj D.P. Singh to inaugurate our event,” said Dr Santosh Nimbalkar, the SP of Darjeeling.
Football star Bhaichung Bhutia, former captain of India's hockey team Bharat Chhetri and international runner Meera Rai sent video messages encouraging people to participate in the event in large numbers.

This edition of the marathon will have events in six categories; 21.1K (kilometres) and 10K open and 10K for police personnel, for both male and female runners.
All the runs will start and end at Chowrasta, Darjeeling.

The event has a total cash award of Rs 5.50 lakh.
The winner of the 21.1K run getting a reward of Rs 1 lakh. The winner in the 10K category will take home the cash award of Rs 25,000.

Vikram Rai, founder of the Vik-Run Foundation and a guest at Monday’s event, said that the hill marathon, which is in its eighth edition now has created a niche for itself owing to its consistency.

“Last year (when the pandemic had started) most marathons were cancelled, however Darjeeling police took a bold decision to go ahead and organise the event when the pandemic situation improved. The consistency in organising the event has made it one of the most talked about events,” said Rai.

Apart from Rai, Everester Jamling Tenzing Norgay and footballer Nadong Bhutia were also present at the event.
Jubin Nautiyal, well known Indian playback singer and performer of the Bollywood blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan will also be performing during the Darjeeling event.

Screen photo of Major D.P. Singh, India’s first blade runner who lost one of his legs during the Kargil War.

A blade runner, informally, is one who runs with blades attached to their legs because the lower part of their legs are missing.

On July 8, 1999, Major Singh was severely injured by a mortar during the Kargil War. His leg had to be amputated but he later took to running marathons and has been recognised as the country’s first amputee or blade runner.

The war veteran is also the first disabled solo skydiver of Asia.

On Monday, Darjeeling police organised a function to officially announce the date of the event and also unveil the event’s running shirts and finisher’s medal.
“I am super excited to see you all in Darjeeling on December 3,” said Major Singh through a video message.