The Golden Jubilee High-Altitude International Marathon 2025 held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Sikkim’s Statehood took place in Gangtok today spearheaded by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sikkim, in coordination with the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Commerce & Industries. The event stood as a significant milestone in the State’s sporting history.
Covering a demanding 42 km course, the marathon (Men & Women) began at the iconic Tsomgo Lake, perched at 3,753 metres above sea level, and culminated at Ridge Park, Gangtok. Participants traversed a route renowned for its rugged terrain and pristine Himalayan beauty, promoting not only physical fitness and unity but also reinforcing Sikkim’s positioning as a hub for high-altitude adventure and international sports tourism.
A total of 520 runners, including 120 women and 400 men, had registered for the event. 348 participants eventually took part in the marathon— Male 265 and Female 83.
25 international elite runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nepal had registered for the event with 6 participants making it to the finish line.
The ceremonial flag-off was carried out at Tsomgo Lake in the presence of Brigadier Amrit Sharma, along with local panchayat members and officials of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The medal felicitation ceremony at Ridge Park was graced by Minister for Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare, and Printing & Stationery Departments Mr Samdup Lepcha, as the Chief Guest. He was joined by MLA cum Advisor, Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Departments Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, and Area MLA cum Advisor, Forest & Environment Department Mr Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, as Guest of Honour.
Official Results
Men’s Category
1st Place (₹3,50,000): Mr Juligs M Wahome – Kenya
2nd Place (₹2,00,000): Mr Ganga Hang Subba – Sikkim
3rd Place (₹1,00,000): Mr Firomsa Ararsa – Ethiopia
Consolation Prizes (₹20,000 each): Mr Bikash Bhujel (Kalimpong), Mr Prabal Chettri (Kalimpong), Mr Suraj Thami (Darjeeling), Mr John Erim Kelai (Kenya), and Mr Pravesh Tamang (Darjeeling)
Women’s Category
1st Place (₹3,50,000): Ms Tamsie Singh – Uttar Pradesh
2nd Place (₹2,00,000): Ms Chandrakala Sharma – Sikkim
3rd Place (₹1,00,000): Ms Aberu Gemechu – Ethiopia
Consolation Prizes (₹20,000 each): Ms Anjuli Subba(Sikkim), Ms Saraswati Rai (Kalimpong), Ms Rozi (Delhi), Ms Bandana Subba (Darjeeling), and Ms Shruti Subba (Darjeeling)
Medals, participation certificates, and cash awards were conferred in a ceremonial function that witnessed widespread public appreciation and participation. The event reflected the State’s commitment to promoting athleticism and international camaraderie.
Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs Department Ms Yangchen D Tamang, delivered the welcome address, while the event concluded with a vote of thanks by Chief Engineer, Sports & Youth Affairs Department Ms Milan Pradhan.
The Golden Jubilee High-Altitude International Marathon 2025 is now envisioned to become a flagship annual fixture in the State’s sports calendar, firmly anchoring Sikkim on the global marathon circuit while celebrating five decades of progress and pride.
Also present were Secretary, Social Welfare Department Ms Sarika Pradhan, along with senior officials and staff from the organising departments.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK
