President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, 2 August flagged off the inaugural Soldierathon at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, marking a first-of-its-kind run organised to celebrate the 253-year legacy of the President's Bodyguard (PBG) and to honour 27 years of India's victory in the Kargil War. The event drew participants from across civil society, the armed forces, and the corporate sector.

What the Soldierathon Stands For

Centred on the theme 'Supporting Real Heroes – the Armed Forces of India' and guided by the vision of 'Run for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers', the Soldierathon is designed to deepen civilian-military bonds through active participation. According to a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the event pays tribute to the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of Indian soldiers while encouraging citizens to express solidarity through fitness.

Proceeds from the event will be directed toward the welfare of the troops and horses of the President's Bodyguard, as well as the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, which provides specialised medical care and rehabilitation support to soldiers who have sustained life-altering injuries.

About the President's Bodyguard

The President's Bodyguard, raised in 1773, is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Armed Forces and is recognised as the world's only Airborne Cavalry Regiment. Its soldiers undergo specialised training as both paratroopers and tankmen, combining ceremonial duties with sustained combat readiness. The regiment is regularly deployed in some of the country's most demanding operational environments, including annual postings at the Siachen Glacier.

Event Format and Participation

The Soldierathon has been designed to be inclusive, with race categories spanning 10 km, 5 km, 3 km, and a Cheer Buddy event, making it accessible to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Entrants included seasoned runners, first-time participants, students, families, educational institutions, and corporate teams. The event is organised in partnership with Wonder Cement and Bhutani Infra.

Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd.) also attended the event.

Broader Mission and Annual Footprint

The Soldierathon is conceived as an annual event to be conducted at different military stations across the country, spanning major metropolitan cities as well as tier-two towns, with the objective of encouraging wider public participation. Beyond promoting fitness and community engagement, the initiative seeks to inspire younger generations by highlighting the ethics, values, and legacy of the Indian Armed Forces. The organisers describe its mission as creating 'a massive community project that honours the sacrifices of Indian soldiers through fitness and commemorative events.'

With its inaugural edition now concluded at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Soldierathon is expected to grow in scale and reach as it moves to other military stations in the coming years.