Aizawl International Half Marathon 2027: 5,000 runners, ₹20 lakh prize pool on 20 Feb
Synopsis
Mizoram's Aizawl International Half Marathon has tripled its ambition in just two years — from 1,500 runners at launch in 2025 to a 5,000-strong target for February 2027, with a ₹20 lakh prize pool and NCC's Director General now on board as patron. The event is fast becoming Northeast India's most prominent running festival and a serious sports-tourism play for the state.
Key Takeaways
The third edition of AIHM is scheduled for 20 February 2027 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl , targeting over 5,000 participants .
The AFI -accredited event offers a total prize pool of ₹20 lakh , announced by Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar .
Participation has grown from 1,500 runners in April 2025 to nearly 3,000 in February 2026, including 16 international athletes .
Lieutenant General Virendra Vats , Director General of the NCC , has agreed to become a patron of AIHM 2027.
Five race categories are on offer: 21.1 km Half Marathon , 10 km Open Race , 5 km Fun Race , Junior Race , and Senior/Veteran Race .
A three-day AIHM Expo will be held from 18–20 February 2027 , featuring cultural performances, health pavilions, and partner showcases.
Mizoram is set to host its largest running event yet, with the third edition of the Aizawl International Half Marathon (AIHM) 2027 targeting over 5,000 participants from India and abroad at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl, on 20 February 2027. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI)-accredited event will carry a total prize pool of ₹20 lakh, announced by Mizoram Sports and Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar on Thursday.
Growth Since Inception
The marathon has recorded remarkable growth since its launch. The inaugural edition in April 2025 drew approximately 1,500 participants, while the February 2026 second edition nearly doubled that figure to close to 3,000 runners — including 16 international athletes from countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and France. The 2027 edition now aims to more than double the previous year's field.
Race Categories and Format
The event will feature five competitive categories: the 21.1 km Half Marathon, 10 km Open Race, 5 km Fun Race, Junior Race, and Senior/Veteran Race. Participants will include elite athletes, amateur runners, international competitors, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, students, and fitness enthusiasts, according to Mizoram government officials.
NCC Becomes a Patron
Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, Director General of the NCC, has agreed to serve as one of the patrons of AIHM 2027. The decision was reached following a meeting with Minister Hmar and AIHM Curator Captain Rahul Bali in New Delhi. The NCC's involvement is expected to facilitate broader participation by its cadets across the country, subject to the necessary institutional arrangements being put in place.
Sports Tourism and Economic Impact
Beyond the athletics, AIHM 2027 is being positioned as a flagship sports tourism initiative for Mizoram. With thousands of runners and accompanying visitors expected, the event is likely to benefit local hotels, homestays, restaurants, transport operators, and artisans, according to officials. Minister Hmar described the marathon as a platform connecting athletes, communities, and young people from across India and abroad, adding that the government's vision is to promote sports as a driver of youth empowerment, fitness, tourism, and local economic development.
AIHM Expo and What's Next
A three-day AIHM Expo will run from 18 to 20 February 2027, with a dedicated BIB Expo on 18 and 19 February featuring race-kit distribution, health and wellness pavilions, partner showcases, and cultural performances. The event is organised by the Mizoram Government in association with Innovations India, under the theme 'Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports.' Officials say the long-term goal is to establish Aizawl as a prominent fixture on India's national and international sporting calendar.
Point of View
500 to 3,000 to a 5,000-runner target in just three editions — is a rare Northeast India sports success story, but the real test is whether the ₹20 lakh prize pool and NCC patronage can attract the elite field needed to lift the event's profile nationally. Mizoram's bet on sports tourism is shrewd: the state's natural landscape is a genuine differentiator in a crowded marathon calendar. The challenge is execution at scale; doubling footfall without proportional infrastructure investment has tripped up several regional marathons before.
NationPress
5 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Aizawl International Half Marathon 2027?
AIHM 2027 is scheduled for 20 February 2027 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram. The event is accredited by the Athletics Federation of India and is the third edition of the annual race.
What is the prize pool for AIHM 2027?
The total prize pool for AIHM 2027 is ₹20 lakh, announced by Mizoram Sports and Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar. The prize money will be distributed across competitive categories including the 21.1 km Half Marathon.
What race categories are available at AIHM 2027?
AIHM 2027 features five categories: the 21.1 km Half Marathon, 10 km Open Race, 5 km Fun Race, Junior Race, and Senior/Veteran Race. The event welcomes elite athletes, amateurs, NCC cadets, students, and fitness enthusiasts.
How has participation grown since the first edition?
The inaugural AIHM in April 2025 attracted around 1,500 participants. The second edition in February 2026 saw nearly 3,000 runners, including 16 international athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the UK, and France. The 2027 edition targets over 5,000 participants.
What is the AIHM Expo and when does it take place?
The AIHM Expo is a three-day event running from 18 to 20 February 2027, alongside the marathon. It includes a BIB Expo on 18 and 19 February with race-kit distribution, health and wellness pavilions, partner showcases, and cultural performances.
