Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026 Elevates Mizoram on to Global Sporting Map
The 2nd edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026 concluded on a high note on Friday, 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 General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram.
Held at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, the marathon witnessed participation from athletes representing Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, France and several other countries, alongside elite and amateur runners from across India and the North Eastern Region. The strong international presence, coupled with an overwhelming domestic turnout, transformed Aizawl into a vibrant global sporting arena.
Organised jointly by the Government of Mizoram and Innovations India under the theme “Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports,” the event marked a significant leap from its debut edition last year, which had attracted around 1,500 participants, largely from the Northeast. Within a year, participation surged by almost 100 per cent, a growth that organisers described as a testament to the marathon’s credibility and expanding appeal.
The event was held under the patronage of General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, and Pu Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, with strong support from Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar, Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Tourism, Government of Mizoram. Senior dignitaries and institutional partners were present, reflecting the importance accorded to sports as a key pillar of the state’s development narrative.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor said, “The AQI is very good; the weather is very good, and we are looking at this becoming an iconic event in the whole world.” As Patron of the festival, he expressed confidence that the Aizawl International Half Marathon will continue to grow in stature and attract global attention in the years to come.
Speaking on the event, the Minister for Sports & Tourism said the scale and response to AIHM 2026 reflect Mizoram’s growing sporting culture and its capacity to host international-standard events. “This marathon is becoming bigger and stronger with each edition. The participation of elite international athletes and thousands of runners from across India shows that Mizoram is ready to host global events. It is a proud moment for our state and a major boost for our tourism and sports ecosystem,” he said.
He noted that events of this scale generate significant visibility for the state, strengthening its image as a safe, vibrant and welcoming destination in Northeast India.
Captain Rahul Bali, Curator of AIHM, described the second edition as a defining milestone. “In just one year, AIHM has grown immensely to a global sporting event. From 1,500 runners last year to almost 3,000 runners this year, the response has been phenomenal. We have runners from countries in Europe, Middle East, Africa. It reflects Mizoram’s rising stature in the national and international running circuit. Our vision is to make Aizawl one of India’s most iconic running destinations,” he said.
The 21KM Open Male category was led by Kenya’s Kemboi Kevin Kiprono, who secured first place with a chip time of 1:06:28, followed closely by Nafsen Ejeta Balcha (1:06:38) and Clinton Kibet Mutai (1:06:39). In the 21KM Open Female category, Renu Singh clinched the top position with a time of 1:21:22, with Tsige Debay Tadese (1:21:35) and Marta Hirpato Yota (1:21:36) finishing second and third respectively. The certified timings further underscore the competitive depth and international standard of the Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026.
The marathon route, set against Aizawl’s scenic hills and energetic urban landscape, offered participants both a challenging course and a memorable experience. Enthusiastic local crowds lined parts of the route, cheering runners and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Beyond competition, the event also underscored Mizoram’s expanding sports infrastructure, improved event management capabilities and growing institutional coordination. Officials said the success of AIHM 2026 demonstrates the state’s readiness to attract larger sporting events and sports tourism in the coming years.
With increased participation, international representation and strong leadership backing, the Aizawl International Half Marathon 2026 has not only concluded successfully but has also strengthened Mizoram’s position on India’s sporting map. As the curtains fall on the second edition, AIHM stands not merely as a race completed, but as a bold statement of ambition, connectivity and progress from the heart of Northeast India.
