Soldierathon

Soldierathon is a marathon event organized in India with the purpose of honoring the country's armed forces, particularly its martyrs and wounded soldiers. The event aims to raise awareness about the sacrifices made by the military while also providing support for their families and rehabilitation. Proceeds from Soldierathon typically benefit causes such as scholarships for the children of martyrs and funding for rehabilitation programs for injured soldiers.

Overview

Soldierathon is a unique blend of athleticism, patriotism, and public engagement. By inviting both civilians and military personnel to run side by side, the event seeks to bridge the gap between the armed forces and the public. This collaboration promotes unity, fosters collective respect for the nation's defenders, and encourages national pride through physical participation. The event also serves as a platform for inspiring civic consciousness and highlighting the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Historical Background

Conceived as a tribute to the valor and sacrifices of Indian soldiers, Soldierathon was established with the vision of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. It was founded by Major Dr. Surendra Poonia, VSM, an ex-Special Forces officer and renowned sportsman. The first edition of Soldierathon took place in New Delhi on 16 December 2018, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas, a national day commemorating India's victory in the 1971 war.

Since its inaugural event, Soldierathon has expanded to multiple cities across India. Each edition is strategically scheduled around significant military anniversaries to enhance public participation and highlight the historical significance of the occasion.

Fundraising Efforts

In addition to promoting physical fitness and national unity, Soldierathon includes a fundraising component aimed at supporting various causes. Donations and proceeds from the event are directed toward initiatives such as providing scholarships for the children of martyrs and supporting the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. A key beneficiary of these funds is the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center in Pune, which offers specialized care and rehabilitation for soldiers who have sustained life-changing injuries in service to the nation.

Event Format and Impact

Soldierathon is designed to accommodate participants of all ages and fitness levels, offering a range of race categories, typically including 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and 3 km events. These races allow for inclusive participation from civilians, military personnel, and veterans. The event is organized in collaboration with the Indian Army, local governments, and wellness organizations such as Fitistan. Participants receive race kits, which include dry-fit T-shirts, medals, certificates, and refreshments.

The impact of Soldierathon extends beyond the athletic and community-building elements. By encouraging widespread public involvement and promoting the welfare of injured soldiers, it highlights the importance of supporting those who serve in the armed forces.

Significance

Soldierathon holds significant cultural and social value, bringing together diverse communities—runners, philanthropic organizations, and the general public—to show gratitude for the sacrifices of the armed forces. It provides a platform for citizens to actively contribute to the well-being of soldiers and their families, reinforcing the importance of supporting those who defend the nation.

Notable Editions

2025

Delhi

The inaugural edition of Soldierathon under the theme "Run for Soldiers and Run with Soldiers" took place on 20 April 2025, at the Army Hospital Research and Referral in New Delhi. The event supported by Fitistan saw the participation of approximately 5,000 individuals, including military personnel, veterans, civilians, students, and fitness enthusiasts. It was designed to promote inclusivity and foster a sense of unity between the civilian and military populations.

Participants had the opportunity to run alongside serving soldiers, drawing inspiration from their resilience and dedication to the nation. In addition to the athletic aspects, the event served as a charitable initiative aimed at raising funds for the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre in Kirkee, Pune, which provides essential care and rehabilitation for soldiers injured in combat. The enthusiastic turnout and support for the event underscored the strong commitment of both military and civilian communities to honor the sacrifices of India's armed forces.

2024

Mumbai

The Mumbai Kargil Soldierathon 2024 was held on 28 July 2024 at the Military Station in Colaba, Mumbai, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War. The event served as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in the 1999 conflict, marking a significant milestone in India’s military history.

Organized as part of the broader Soldierathon series, the Mumbai edition aimed to honor the legacy of the Kargil heroes while reinforcing the bond between the armed forces and the civilian population. Through its symbolic and participatory nature, the event invited citizens to engage in a meaningful act of remembrance, solidarity, and national pride.

Gangtok

The Sikkim Soldierathon, a hill marathon held in Gangtok on 27 October 2024, marked a significant regional edition of the Soldierathon series. Organized by Fitistan – Ek Fit Bharat in collaboration with the Eastern Command and Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army, the event was designed to honor the sacrifice, valor, and heroism of Indian soldiers while fostering a stronger bond between the armed forces and the civilian population.

This edition of Soldierathon featured a challenging hill terrain, symbolizing the endurance and resilience of the Indian Army, particularly in mountainous regions like Sikkim. The event drew participation from over 1,500 individuals from across India, including civilians, defense personnel, and fitness enthusiasts. The enthusiastic turnout underscored the growing national significance of the Soldierathon initiative as a unifying platform for public engagement, physical fitness, and patriotic expression.

Pune

The CME Soldierathon witnessed the participation of over 8,000 runners and served as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of India’s Armed Forces, with particular emphasis on the historic contributions made during the Sappers War of 1971. Held at the College of Military Engineering (CME) on 19 November 2024, the event not only commemorated the valor of the Indian Army's engineering corps but also functioned as a large-scale fundraiser.

The marathon successfully raised ₹1.35 crore (135 lakh) in support of the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Center in Kirkee, Pune, which provides critical care and rehabilitation services to soldiers injured in the line of duty. By enabling civilians to run alongside military personnel, the CME Soldierathon created a unique platform for fostering mutual respect, bridging the civilian-military divide, and deepening public appreciation for the discipline, courage, and service of the armed forces.

Nava Raipur

A special edition of Soldierathon was organized on 15 December 2024 in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, as a tribute to India’s historic victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The event was jointly conducted by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Government of Chhattisgarh, aligning with the nationwide commemorations of Vijay Diwas, observed annually on December 16.

This edition of Soldierathon aimed to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the 1971 conflict, while also engaging the local population in an act of collective remembrance. The marathon served not only as a symbolic gesture of gratitude but also as a platform to reinforce the shared values of unity, resilience, and patriotism between the armed forces and civilians.