Aizawl hosts int’l half marathon, draws nearly 3000 runners

Aizawl: The second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026 concluded on a high note on Saturday, drawing nearly 3,000 runners — including 16 elite international athletes — and firmly establishing Mizoram as one of India’s fastest-rising distance running destinations.The AIHM 2026 was flagged off by Gen Vijay Kumar Singh at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl’s Mualpui neighbourhood early in the morning.The marathon witnessed participation from athletes representing Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the UK, France and several other countries, alongside elite and amateur runners from across the country, especially the northeastern. The international presence, coupled with a domestic turnout, transformed Aizawl into a vibrant global sporting arena.Organised jointly by the Mizoram govt and Innovations India under the theme “Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports,” the event marked a leap from its debut edition last year, which had attracted around 1,500 participants, largely from northeast. Within a year, participation surged by almost 100% — a growth organisers described as a testament to the marathon’s credibility and expanding appeal.

The event was held under the patronage of the governor and chief minister Lalduhoma, with strong support from Lalnghinglova Hmar, minister for sports & tourism.In the 21km Open Male category, Kenya’s Kemboi Kevin Kiprono secured first place, followed by Nafsen Ejeta Balcha and Clinton Kibet Mutai. In the 21KM Open Female category, Renu Singh clinched the top position, with Tsige Debay Tadese and Marta Hirpato Yota finishing second and third, respectively.