More than 3,500 runners, including serving air warriors, veterans, their families and citizens from across the Northeast, participated in the second edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026 (SIM-26) in Guwahati on October 4.
The event brought together participants from different age groups and backgrounds with a focus on promoting fitness, healthy living and public engagement, while commemorating the service and sacrifice of Param Vir Chakra awardee Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.
The marathon featured three race categories — 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km. Running enthusiasts, members of the armed forces and civilians participated in the different categories, making it a community sporting event involving people from across the region.
Air Marshal IS Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, flagged off the marathon in Guwahati.
The event began with a Zumba warm-up session to prepare participants for the races. It was followed by performances by the Indian Air Force Band and a synchronised display by the Air Warrior Drill Team.
The marathon was organised as part of the Indian Air Force’s efforts to encourage a culture of fitness and healthy living and to strengthen its interaction with people in the Northeastern region.
The event also paid tribute to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only member of the Indian Air Force to have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra. Sekhon displayed exceptional courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak war and made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
