Thiruvananthapuram, The Southern Air Command on Sunday organised here the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026, a flagship fitness and outreach initiative of the Indian Air Force.
It said that the inaugural edition of SIM held in 2025 was a remarkable success as it witnessed participation of over 39,000 enthusiasts across 46 locations nationwide and earned recognition in the Limca Book of Records.
The event, organised at Lulu Mall here, commemorates the supreme sacrifice and exemplary valour of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC, the only recipient of the Param Vir Chakra from the Indian Air Force, a defence statement said. The programme was graced by Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann, AVSM, VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command and renowned sportspersons Sangram Singh an internationally acclaimed Wrestler, actor, and Mixed Martial Art fighter and Padmini Thomas an Arjuna Awardee, Asian Games medalist and world boxing champion, the statement said. The event was also attended by higher officials of Southern Air Command and civilian dignitaries, who joined the participants and extend their encouragement and support to the runners, the statement said.
The initiative is a significant public outreach programme of the Indian Air Force to encourage active and healthy lifestyles, foster a spirit of discipline and perseverance, and inspire the youth to explore a career in the defence forces, the statement said.
