Run. Soar. Inspire: Delhiites run to honour the forces at the first-ever Sekhon IAF Marathon

"I was running, but you were flying. What a run!” a runner complimented another as they finished their 21km stretch at the first-ever Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2025 (SIM-25), held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. Even as the AQI hovered above 350 in most parts of Delhi, over 12,000 runners across age groups participated in the event to honour Param Vir Chakra awardee Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon’s legacy. Upbeat Punjabi tracks echoing through the stadium and songs like Zinda, belted out by the Indian Air Force band kept up the runners’ josh.

Demonstrating exemplary spirit, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, who also participated in the 21km run, said, “The maiden Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon was simultaneously conducted at 46 stations across the country, and about 45,000 people participated nationwide. Any exercise or anything we do for fitness is going to give you dividends.”


‘The run was dedicated to the valour of IAF’
Undeterred by the alarming pollution levels that had pushed Delhi’s AQI close to 400, firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, runners took their positions at 5am, determined to honour the nation’s forces through the run. Dr Ratandeep, who ran 21km, said, “Definitely AQI was a challenge, but looking at the energy, the josh of the crowd, I enjoyed.” Running enthusiast Sunil Sikri, in his 70s, who ran 10km, noted, “Pollution is a serious issue in the city, but even that doesn’t stop me from my fitness activities. And today, it was dedicated to the valour of IAF.”
Mradula Sharma from Agra, who ran 10km, told us, "Andar se jazba aata hai, daudne ka. It was a fitting tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardee Flying Officer Sekhon.”

‘Humne runners ko nahi, runners aur IAF ne humein inspire kiya hai’
Huma Qureshi, Shefali Shah, Archana Puran Singh, and Sunil Grover flagged off the 5 km run. Talking about her experience, Huma said, “I am so inspired to see everyone. Mujhe lagta tha ki humare Dilli mein sirf chhole bhature achche hote hain, but aap sabki fitness dekh kar… Hats off, Dilli.”

Shefali added, “It was a great honour for us to be here. Humne runners ko nahi, runners aur IAF ne humein inspire kiya hai.” Archana congratulated Delhiites, saying, “By joining in, you all have given a salute to the spirit of true India.” And in his signature humour, Sunil Grover quipped, “Hum sab ko aap par bahut garv hai. Kai logon ne 5 km dauda, kisi ne 10 km aur kisi ne 21 km, kuch log yahan se daud kar ab chhole bhature khane bhi gaye honge, you all deserve it!”

To mark the culmination of the event, the Akashganga skydiving team glided onto the JLN field with coloured canopies, as patriotic tracks like Jai Ho played along.

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