In three editions, the Aizawl International Half Marathon has more than tripled in size. Mizoram is now preparing for over 5,000 runners from India and abroad at AIHM 2027, set for February 20, 2027, at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in the state capital. Very few mass-participation events in Northeast India have grown this fast.
Mizoram Sports and Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar announced a total prize pool of Rs 20 lakh on Thursday. The race is accredited by the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), which places it on the formal national calendar and gives elite athletes a reason to make the trip to the hills.
The numbers tell the story
The inaugural edition in April 2025 drew around 1,500 participants. The second edition, held in February 2026, had nearly 3,000 runners, including 16 international athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, Bahrain, the United Kingdom and France. Hitting the 5,000 mark in 2027 would mean participation has more than tripled in under two years. Interest in recreational running is clearly spreading beyond India's metro cities.
The 2027 edition is open to everyone, from elite athletes and amateur runners to international participants, NCC cadets, students and fitness enthusiasts. There will be five categories: the 21.1 km Half Marathon, a 10 km Open Race, a 5 km Fun Race, a Junior Race and a Senior/Veteran Race.
Hmar called the marathon a matter of pride for Mizoram. He said it has become a platform that connects athletes, young people and communities from India and abroad. According to him, the government sees sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, fitness, tourism and local economic development.
Why the NCC partnership matters
The biggest development this year is the NCC coming on board. Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, Director General of the National Cadet Corps, has agreed to become one of AIHM 2027's patrons. He made the decision after meeting the Mizoram Sports Minister and AIHM Curator Captain Rahul Bali in New Delhi. The NCC is expected to help more cadets take part, subject to the necessary institutional arrangements. Because the NCC has a nationwide network, this could become one of the event's largest sources of participants and a way to bring young people from across India to Mizoram.
A race that is also a tourism pitch
The state is clear that AIHM is about more than athletics. The marathon is being promoted as a major sports tourism initiative to showcase Mizoram's natural beauty, culture and hospitality. Hill states such as Mizoram often struggle to draw tourists in large numbers, and an annual event with a fixed date gives travellers a concrete reason to book.
"With thousands of runners and accompanying visitors expected, the event is likely to benefit local hotels, homestays, restaurants, transport operators, entrepreneurs and artisans," the official said.
The AIHM Expo will run for three days, from February 18 to 20, 2027, with the BIB Expo on February 18 and 19. It will include race-kit distribution, health and wellness pavilions, partner showcases and cultural performances.
What comes next
AIHM 2027 is organised by the Mizoram Government in association with Innovations India, with the theme "Connecting India, Developing Mizoram, Empowering Sports." The stated goal is to make Aizawl a prominent destination on India's national and international sporting calendar. If the third edition reaches its 5,000-runner target, the race will have grown into a major event in just three years.
(With inputs from IANS)