Aizawl: Over 20 professional athletes from around the world are set to compete in the Aizawl International Half Marathon on February 14, Mizoram Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar announced on Wednesday.
The second edition of the mega-event is being organised by the State Sports Department in partnership with Innovations India. Hmar highlighted that this year’s race will feature an elite field, with confirmed participation from distance-running powerhouses including Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, England, and France.
To facilitate the arrival of these international athletes, the state government is coordinating with Central authorities to secure Protected Area Permits (PAP), he added.
Since its inaugural run in April last year, which drew 1,500 participants from across India, the marathon has seen significant growth. For 2026, the event has been officially added to the Tourism Event Calendar, leveraging it as a platform to showcase Mizoram’s rich cultural heritage and pristine natural landscapes.
With the recent expansion of the railway line to Sairang, Hmar expects record-breaking attendance from both domestic and international visitors. “The Aizawl International Half Marathon is more than a race. It is a platform to promote a culture of fitness among the Mizo people and a gateway for outsiders to experience our lifestyle,” he said.
The race is sanctioned by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and has received high-level support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Governor Vijay Kumar Singh will flag off the event from Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on the eastern outskirts of Aizawl.
To ensure inclusivity, the competition features nine categories, catering to runners from age 10 to over 60. The stakes are high this year, with a total prize pool exceeding Rs 15 lakh.
While online registration concluded on Wednesday evening, organisers will facilitate offline registration and bib collection at Lammual ground on February 12 and 13. The official event jerseys were unveiled on Wednesday by Home Minister K. Sapdanga.