Everest Summiter Amit Kumar Conquers 10-km Run at IAF Marathon
Everest summiter Amit Kumar completes 10-km run at Sekhon IAF Marathon in Chandigarh, balancing professional duties and single parenthood.
In a remarkable display of endurance and grit, Everest summiter Amit Kumar joined hundreds of athletes at the second edition of the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2026 in Chandigarh. Competing in the 10-km category, the Haryana Police personnel showcased the same determination that once led him to the world's highest peak.
A Journey from Everest to Athletics
Amit Kumar, who successfully scaled Mount Everest in 2011, has been deeply rooted in the world of sports for nearly three decades. While his mountaineering feat remains a career highlight, his dedication to athletics has been a lifelong pursuit since he officially took up the sport in 2007.
Speaking at the event, Kumar reflected on his dual life as a dedicated officer and a high-performing athlete. "I serve in the Haryana Police and have been involved in sports for 30 years. I also trained for mountaineering and successfully scaled Mount Everest in 2011; the Haryana Police has honoured me greatly for this," he stated.
Balancing Duty, Family, and Fitness
Beyond the medals and physical feats, Kumar highlighted the immense challenge of balancing professional obligations with personal life. He shared that he maintains his rigorous training schedule while fulfilling his duties in the Haryana Police and managing his responsibilities as a single parent.
Upon crossing the finish line of the 10-km race, Kumar was awarded a medal, marking another milestone in his diverse sporting journey.
Massive Turnout at Sekhon IAF Marathon
The marathon, organized in memory of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon—the only Indian Air Force officer to be awarded the Param Vir Chakra—saw a massive turnout with over 3,500 registrations. The event featured three distinct categories to cater to different levels of fitness:
- 21-km: For competitive, serious runners.
- 10-km: For intermediate runners and beginners.
- 5-km: A fun run designed to support the Indian Air Force.
The competitive spirit was high across the board. One participant, who traveled from Uttarakhand, completed the 10-km course in an impressive 39 minutes. An athlete since 2015, the Uttarakhand runner expressed immense gratitude to the organizers and his support team for the opportunity to compete.