More than 3,500 runners turned out in Guwahati for the second edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026 (SIM-26) on October 4, with air warriors, veterans, their families and citizens from across the Northeast joining the event.
The marathon, organised by the Indian Air Force, featured 21.1-km, 10-km and 5-km races and brought together participants from different age groups. It was aimed at promoting fitness and healthy living while strengthening the IAF’s engagement with communities in the Northeastern region.
Air Marshal IS Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, flagged off the event in Guwahati.
Proceedings began with a Zumba warm-up session, followed by a performance by the Indian Air Force Band and a synchronised display by the Air Warrior Drill Team.
The marathon also paid tribute to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, the only Indian Air Force personnel to have received the Param Vir Chakra. Sekhon displayed exceptional courage during the 1971 Indo-Pak war before making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Guwahati event marked the second edition of SIM-26 and its presence in the Northeast. Serving air warriors, veterans and civilians participated together, with the marathon highlighting values associated with military service, including discipline, determination, teamwork and commitment to the nation.
The participation of runners across the three categories also underlined the event’s focus on wider community involvement, bringing people of different age groups together through sport and fitness.
The marathon further provided a public platform for the IAF to connect with people in the Northeast while commemorating the legacy and sacrifice of one of its most decorated air warriors.
