Governor Gen VK Singh flags off AIHM 2026
From: Isaac Zoramsanga
Copy Editor (RNU), Akashvani News, Aizawl
Date: February 14, 2026
Phone: 8131823773
The second edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2026 concluded successfully on Saturday, with nearly 3,000 runners – including 16 elite international athletes – participating, firmly establishing Mizoram as one of India’s fastest-growing destinations for long-distance running.
The AIHM 2026 was officially started by Governor Vijay Kumar Singh at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl's Mualpui neighborhood in the morning. The marathon featured athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, France, and several other countries, alongside top and amateur runners from across India, especially the northeastern region. The strong international presence, combined with a large domestic turnout, transformed Aizawl into a vibrant global sporting venue.
Organized jointly by the Government of Mizoram and Innovations India under the theme "Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports," the event marked a significant step forward from its debut edition last year, which had attracted around 1,500 participants, largely from the Northeast. Within a year, participation increased by almost 100 percent – a growth that organizers described as a testament to the marathon's credibility and growing appeal.
The Governor and Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with Sports & Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, were present as patrons of the event, reflecting the importance given to sports as a key element of the state's development.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said, "The air quality is very good, the weather is excellent, and we are aiming to make this an iconic event worldwide." As a patron of the festival, he expressed confidence that the Aizawl International Half Marathon will continue to grow and attract global attention in the years to come.
The Minister for Sports & Tourism said that the scale and response to AIHM 2026 reflect Mizoram's growing sporting culture and its ability 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. This is a proud moment for our state and a major boost for our tourism and sports ecosystem," Hmar 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 into 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, the Middle East, and Africa. This 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.
In the 21KM Open Male category, Kenya's Kemboi Kevin Kiprono won with a time of 1:06:28, followed by Nafsen Ejeta Balcha (1:06:38) and Clinton Kibet Mutai (1:06:39). In the 21KM Open Female category, Renu Singh won 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 underscored the competitive depth and international standard of AIHM 2026.
The marathon route, which wound through Aizawl's scenic hills and vibrant urban landscape, offered participants a challenging course and a memorable experience. Enthusiastic local crowds lined parts of the route, cheering the runners and adding to the festive atmosphere.
Beyond the competition, the event also highlighted 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 promote 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.