The Assam Rifles has announced that the sixth edition of the Assam Rifles Half Marathon (ARHM) will be held in Shillong on 22 November 2026. The force said the event — first held in 2021 — is expected to attract a record number of participants from across the Northeast and the rest of India.
Event format and participation
The Assam Rifles said the 2026 edition is likely to feature more than 4,000 runners competing across three distance categories: 5 km, 10 km and 21 km. Entry is open to participants aged 12 to 60+ years. Organisers unveiled the official jersey and the finisher medal during a curtain‑raiser at the Assam Rifles Liaison Office, Delhi Cantt.
“The enhanced prize money reflects the force’s vision to make the marathon a premier sporting event in the region,” Col Apurva Bhatnagar, VSM, from HQ DG Assam Rifles said.
Prize money and objectives
The Assam Rifles has announced total prize money of ₹25 lakh for the 2026 event. In its statement, the force described the ARHM as having evolved from a fitness initiative into “a symbol of unity, health, and community spirit” in the North East since its launch in 2021. Officials said the marathon aims to foster wellness, fitness and togetherness in the region and that dignitaries from government, the armed forces and civil society are expected to attend.
- Date and venue: Shillong, 22 November 2026
- Expected participation: 4,000+ runners
- Distance categories: 5 km, 10 km, 21 km
- Age groups: 12 to 60+ years
- Total prize money: ₹25 lakh
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Assam Rifles Half Marathon (6th edition) |
| Date | 22 November 2026 |
| Location | Shillong, Meghalaya |
| Categories | 5 km, 10 km, 21 km |
| Prize money | ₹25 lakh (total) |
The Assam Rifles welcomed participation from across the country and said the race route will showcase Upper Shillong’s scenery. The force did not publish a breakdown of individual prizes for each category in its announcement.
The ARHM continues the Assam Rifles’ civic‑engagement and fitness outreach in the Northeast, combining a public sporting event with the force’s broader community engagement objectives in the region.
