First Ever Surya Half Marathon Held In The Build Up To Army Day 2024

The first ever Surya Half Marathon was flagged off in Jabalpur on 19 Nov, 2023 by Lt. General NS Raja Subramani, GOC-in-C Surya Command. The half marathon, organized by Madhya Bharat Area, Jabalpur under the aegis of HQ Central Command, is part of a series of events that are being held across the Area of Responsibility of Central Command (also known as Surya Command), Indian Army as a prelude to Army Day 2024 celebrations in Lucknow. The much-awaited Surya half marathon saw stellar participation from over 3000 persons including Military personnel, Police personnel, Fitness enthusiasts, NCC cadets, ladies and school children. Starting from Cobra Ground, Jabalpur, the half marathon featured attractive prizes for podium finishers in three categories – 21 kms, 10 kms and 5 kms – allowing participation from across all age groups and people of different fitness levels. The runners crossed the green and scenic environs of the Cantonment, including the training centres of the Indian Army located in Jabalpur, where the Indian Army’s troops are made battle ready. An impressive weapons and equipment display were also displayed to motivate the runners.

In the Open category the first position was won by Bangariya Vikram Bharat Sinh in the Male category and Prajakta Godbole in the Female category. Anil Kumar Yadav and Riya Rajesh Rathore won the 10 km run in the Male and Female categories respectively. In the 5 kms run, Saurav Ashok Tiwari and Mitali Deepak Bhoyer won the Male and Female categories respectively. The podium finishers in each category were awarded post completion of Half Marathon. Lt. General Mukesh Chadha, Chief of Staff, Central Command took part in the run and motivated the runners. The spectators were also thrilled to witness the Indian Army’s bike stunt team, the Dare Devils, who performed awe-inspiring stunts. The entire route of the half marathon resonated with the cheers of spectators. Mrs. Mahalaxmi Subramani Regional President AWWA motivated the participants in the half marathon. Lt. General MK Das, GOC Madhya Bharat Area, Jabalpur and Mrs. MK Das along with veterans and families of serving military personnel as well as prominent dignitaries and citizens from all walks of life were present for the event making it a grand success. Olympian shooter and Padma Shri Subedar Major Jitu Rai and several of our nation’s sportspersons such as Boxer and Asian Games medalist Subedar Narender Berwal, Arjuna Awardee Madhu Yadav and others were also present to motivate the participants. The people of Jabalpur, including youth, displayed great enthusiasm as the city hosted the ground breaking half marathon.

This historic Surya Half Marathon was a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to nurture our nation’s youth and a culture of sportsmanship and holistic well-being. The event stands as a harbinger of positive change, inspiring all to embrace a lifestyle that embodies physical fitness, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

The Surya Half Marathon kicks off a series of activities across Surya Command AOR, in the prelude to Army Day 2024, which is to be hosted in Lucknow. The people of the entire region are proud and filled with anticipation as this is the first time ever that Army Day will be held in Lucknow. The 76^th Army Day (15 Jan, 2024) will feature the ceremonial Army Day Parade and a combat display in the evening which the people can witness, where the might and strength of the Indian Army will be showcased.  Activities, such as blood donation drives, tree plantations, school outreach programs and motivational lectures and equipment displays are also planned in the coming months culminating in the grand Army Day in Lucknow.