✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: The Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon comes to Chandigarh on Sunday, 4 October 2026, starting at the ground opposite Chandigarh Club in Sector 1. There are five races: 21.1K (₹1,499), 10K (₹1,299), 5K (₹999), 3K (₹799) and a free 2K for divyang runners. Every runner must collect a bib at the expo on Saturday, 3 October, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Registration is on the organisers’ Chandigarh website.
The Indian Air Force is organising the run in memory of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, and Chandigarh is one of several cities hosting the race. This page sets out what the organisers have published so far, and what they have not.
The Chandigarh race at a glance
| Detail | What the organisers say |
|---|---|
| Event | Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon Chandigarh 2026 (SIM 2026 @ CHD) |
| Race day | Sunday, 4 October 2026 |
| Start and finish | Ground Opposite Chandigarh Club, Sector 1, Chandigarh |
| Bib collection | Saturday, 3 October 2026, 10 AM to 5 PM, at the same ground; mandatory |
| Organised by | Indian Air Force |
| Race management | CYRUNS Sports |
| In association with | Fit India |
| Supported by | Lovely Professional University; Life Insurance Corporation of India |
| Timing | Chip timing with live leaderboards |
| Route maps | Not published yet (“will be updated soon”) |
| Prizes | Not published yet (“will be updated soon”) |
Who the marathon remembers
Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon flew with No. 18 Squadron, the “Flying Bullets”. On 14 December 1971 Pakistani F-86 Sabres attacked the airfield at Srinagar. Sekhon took off while the base was being bombed and, flying a Folland Gnat, took on the raiders alone after his formation leader lost sight of the enemy, according to Wikipedia. His aircraft was shot down and he was killed. He was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award, and he remains the only member of the Indian Air Force to have received it.
Race categories and fees
| Category | Start | Cut-off | Fee (incl. GST) | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21.1K Half Marathon (timed) | 5:30 AM | 3.5 hours | ₹1,499 | 18 years |
| 10K Speed Challenge (timed) | 6:15 AM | 2 hours | ₹1,299 | 16 years |
| 5K Fitness Run | 7:00 AM* | 1.5 hours | ₹999 | 6 years |
| 3K Community Run | 7:15 AM | Not stated | ₹799 | 6 years |
| 2K, divyang runners only | 7:20 AM | Not stated | Free | Not stated |
*The 5K card on the official site says 7:00 AM, but the race-day schedule on the same site lists the 5K flag-off at 6:45 AM. Until the organisers clear that up, plan for the earlier time. The helpline on the site is +91 63515 80588.
The registration fee covers an IAF commemorative tee, a timing-chip bib, a goodie bag with IAF memorabilia and partner vouchers, a medal, breakfast and hydration. Registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable, and runners declare that they are medically fit by accepting the terms when they register. Fees change from city to city: the national website lists different prices for Delhi, so use the figures above only for the Chandigarh race.
Race-day timeline, Sunday 4 October
- 4:30 AM: gates open; gear check-in and medical checks begin
- 5:00 AM: guided warm-up and route briefing
- 5:30 AM: 21.1K flag-off
- 5:45 AM: 10K warm-up
- 6:15 AM: 10K flag-off
- 6:20 AM: 5K warm-up
- 6:45 AM: 5K flag-off (as per the schedule)
- 7:00 AM: warm-up for the 3K and 2K
- 7:15 AM: 3K flag-off
- 7:20 AM: 2K flag-off
- 9:30 AM: award ceremony
Entry gates close strictly 20 minutes before each flag-off. For the half marathon that means being inside by about 5:10 AM.
Bib collection and the expo
Bibs are handed out only at the expo on Saturday, 3 October, from 10 AM to 5 PM, at the ground opposite Chandigarh Club. The organisers call collection mandatory: a runner who skips it is disqualified, and the fee is not refunded. Defence-category participants must show an original, valid defence ID at the expo for verification.
The expo is more than a counter. The site lists a live Armed Forces band, “Know Your Air Force” displays about the Air Force’s history and equipment, and an expo village of sponsor stalls and family activities.
What has not been announced yet
When we checked on 20 September, the official site still said the route details “will be updated soon” for every category, and prize details were also pending. The site carries no traffic or parking advisory for the morning of 4 October yet, either. The Capitol Complex and Sukhna Lake are also in Sector 1, so check for the police advisory before you plan your drive; the Chandigarh Traffic Police helpline is 1073. We will update this page once the routes and the advisory are out.
The promo run at Sukhna Lake
The build-up is already on. On Sunday, 20 September, the Air Force held its third promotional run at Sukhna Lake, and All India Radio reported more than 300 people from Chandigarh, Mohali and nearby areas, among them young people, serving personnel, veterans and fitness enthusiasts. The ticket page run by CYRUNS Sports & Wellness had promised a free T-shirt to the first 150 runners.
More on the Air Force and the armed forces in Chandigarh
- Air Force Museum, Chandigarh: the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre in Sector 18 is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, so the afternoon after the race works; it is closed on Mondays.
- Air Show Chandigarh 2026: the Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team was scheduled to perform at Sukhna Lake on 27 and 28 March.
- Military Literature Festival, Chandigarh: the Army’s Western Command and the local administration hold it at Sukhna Lake; the last edition ran 7 to 9 November 2025.
- Chandigarh Marathon & Wellness: a separate race that we organise at the Capitol Complex on 11 October, a week after this one.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sekhon IAF Marathon in Chandigarh?
On Sunday, 4 October 2026. The bib expo is the day before, on Saturday, 3 October, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Where does the Chandigarh race start?
At the ground opposite Chandigarh Club, Sector 1, Chandigarh. The bib expo is held at the same ground.
How much does it cost to register?
The Chandigarh fees, including GST, are ₹1,499 for the 21.1K, ₹1,299 for the 10K, ₹999 for the 5K and ₹799 for the 3K. The 2K run for divyang runners is free.
Is bib collection compulsory?
Yes. The organisers say bibs are collected only at the expo on 3 October, and a runner who does not collect one is disqualified without a refund.
What is the minimum age?
It is 18 for the 21.1K, 16 for the 10K, and 6 for both the 5K and the 3K, according to the official site. It does not state an age for the 2K, which is for divyang runners only.
Are the routes published?
Not yet. The official site says route details for every category “will be updated soon”.
Can I transfer or cancel my registration?
No. Registrations are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable, and a runner found using another participant’s bib is disqualified.
Sources
- Sekhon IAF Marathon Chandigarh 2026, official website
- Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026, national website (Delhi and other cities)
- All India Radio (News on AIR), promotional run ahead of the marathon, 20 September 2026
- Townscript listing of the promo run at Sukhna Lake, 20 September 2026
- Sekhon IAF Marathon Chandigarh on Instagram
- Wikipedia, Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon
