The Walong Half Marathon 2025 was flagged off on Wednesday from India’s easternmost battlefield in Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, marking a fitting tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the iconic Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
Organised by the Indian Army as part of the 63rd Walong Day Commemoration, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 700 runners, including civilians and Army personnel across both men’s and women’s categories.
The marathon featured three distance categories—21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Run, and 5 km Tribute Run—bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to honor the valiant soldiers who displayed unmatched courage during the 1962 conflict.
“The Walong Half Marathon carries a profound message of remembrance, unity, and patriotism. Each stride taken in this historic valley symbolises honour, pride, and the immortal Spirit of Walong,” said an Army official at the flagging-off ceremony.
The event offered attractive incentives for winners, including medals and cash prizes totaling up to Rs 2 lakh, encouraging competitive participation while maintaining the commemorative spirit of the occasion.
An Army spokesperson emphasised the event’s deeper significance: “This marathon stands as a tribute to the supreme sacrifice and resilience of Indian soldiers and reflects the enduring bond between the Armed Forces and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.”
The Battle of Walong, fought during the Sino-Indian War of 1962 in the eastern sector near present-day Arunachal Pradesh, remains a testament to Indian military valour. Despite being significantly outnumbered and under-equipped, Indian forces courageously resisted the Chinese advance for nearly a month, demonstrating extraordinary determination and sacrifice.
The marathon route through Walong’s challenging terrain not only tested participants’ physical capabilities but also allowed them to experience firsthand the difficult conditions under which Indian soldiers fought six decades ago. The event successfully combined athletic challenge with historical remembrance, ensuring that the heroism displayed at Walong continues to inspire future generations and strengthens the nation’s collective memory of its brave defenders.
