New Delhi, August 2, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu today virtually flagged off the inaugural President’s Bodyguard (PBG) Soldierathon from a ceremony held at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event took place in the presence of General (Dr) V.K. Singh (Retd), Governor of Mizoram and patron of the initiative. On the occasion, the President also released a Special Postal Cover to commemorate the historic run.
The race itself was conducted at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment. Organised under the theme “Supporting Real Heroes – the Armed Forces of India,” the Soldierathon is guided by the vision of “Run for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers.” It seeks to strengthen the bond between civilians and the Armed Forces by paying tribute to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of India’s soldiers while encouraging citizens to express solidarity through active participation.
In a social media post reflecting on the occasion, the President noted that the Soldierathon serves as a unique platform to bring civilians closer to the Armed Forces. The event aligns with broader national efforts to promote fitness, a drug-free lifestyle and national pride while honouring those who serve the nation.
A Tribute to the President’s Own
The inaugural PBG Soldierathon specifically celebrates the 253-year legacy of the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Armed Forces. Raised in 1773 as the Governor’s Bodyguard (initially the Governor’s Troop of Moghuls) under Governor-General Warren Hastings, the unit evolved through various designations during the colonial period before becoming the President’s Bodyguard following Independence and the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.
The PBG holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only Airborne Cavalry Regiment. Its personnel are trained as both paratroopers and tankmen (and horsemen for ceremonial duties), enabling them to perform dual roles with distinction. As the President’s personal troops and household cavalry, they provide ceremonial escorts and protection while remaining operationally ready. Detachments of the regiment continue to serve in some of the most challenging environments, including annual rotations to the Siachen Glacier and other high-altitude areas. The regiment maintains a strength of approximately 200-plus personnel and around 100 horses, preserving India’s equestrian military heritage alongside modern armoured and airborne capabilities.
The timing of the Soldierathon also marks 27 years since the Kargil War of 1999, adding a layer of remembrance for the valour displayed by the Indian Armed Forces in that conflict.
Race Details and Wider Impact
The Soldierathon featured races in three categories — 3 km, 5 km and 10 km — making it accessible to seasoned runners, first-time participants, families, students, institutions and corporate teams. Participants had the opportunity to run alongside serving soldiers and experience elements of military culture, including performances by the Indian Army. The event forms part of the larger Soldierathon movement, which has been promoted by Fitistan and is associated with the ideals of service, discipline and national spirit. Major (Dr) Surendra Poonia, VSM (ex-Special Forces and a former member of the PBG), who founded the Soldierathon initiative, has described the event as a personal tribute to the regiment that shaped his values of courage, discipline and selfless service.
Proceeds from the PBG Soldierathon will support the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre of the Armed Forces, the welfare of wards of battle casualties, and other soldier-centric causes. A portion is specifically intended to aid the horses and troops of the President’s Bodyguard, helping preserve both its operational readiness and its distinctive equestrian traditions. Wonder Cement served as a key partner for the Delhi edition.
Strengthening the Civilian-Military Connect
The presence of General V.K. Singh, a former Chief of Army Staff and currently Governor of Mizoram, underscored the significance of the occasion. As patron of the Soldierathon initiative, he has long been associated with efforts that bridge the gap between the armed forces and the public. The ceremony at the Forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, with military personnel in ceremonial uniforms, lent a fitting sense of dignity and tradition to the flag-off.
Beyond the physical act of running, the Soldierathon embodies a larger message: that ordinary citizens can actively stand with the “real heroes” of the nation. By combining fitness, remembrance and tangible support for welfare causes, the event reinforces the idea that national security and military heritage are shared responsibilities. It also aligns with the Fit India movement and campaigns encouraging youth to embrace sports and reject drugs.
For defence aspirants and the broader public, occasions such as the PBG Soldierathon offer a visible reminder of the living traditions of the Indian Armed Forces — from the ceremonial splendour of the President’s Bodyguard at Rashtrapati Bhavan to the quiet courage of soldiers serving in remote and hostile environments. The inaugural edition has set a strong foundation for future editions, ensuring that the spirit of “Run for Soldiers, Run with Soldiers” continues to resonate across the country.
