Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh: Over 600 salute the Indian Army's bravery by running the SJOBA half-marathon
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 26, 2025: St. John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA) organized the SJOBA Half Marathon 2025, which was held to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Harpal Singh Malvai, President, SJOBA said, “The half-marathon honoured the valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas. It was also a run dedicated to peace and a greener planet. Through the marathon, we also paid a humble tribute to the legend of endurance running - Late Fauja Singh."
In the men's 21 km race -half marathon, Rohit clocked 1:25:25 to win the top position, in the 16-30 age category; Manjinder Singh, with a timing of 1:26:10, and Dinesh Jangra with 1:34:48 attained 1st and 2nd runner-up spots respectively.
In the men's 31-45 age category, Sandeep Madaan, with a timing of 1:29:14, was the winner. Tarun Shekhar Pandey with 1:30:32 and Anmol Chandan with a timing of 1:37:14 were declared as 1st and 2nd runner-ups respectively. In the 46-59 age category in men's, Sunil Sharma timed 1:48:58 to come on top. Narinder Dange with 1:55:59 and Sandeep Malik with a timing of 1:59:46 were 1st and 2nd runner-ups respectively.
In 21 kms females, Pooja Pandey clocked 2:05:43 to win in the age group of 31-45, while Nisha Garg with a timing of 2:08:46 and Jaswinder Kaur who clocked 2:22:44 attained 1st and 2nd runner-up positions. In the 46-59 age bracket, Manaj Yadav with 2:03:33 won 1st position.
In the other competitive segment of 10 kms, Manpreet Singh with a timing of 39:25 won in the males 16-30 age category. Ashutosh Nayyar who clocked 45:39 and Amit Kumar with a timing 48:07 attained 1st and 2nd runner-up positions.
In the males, 31-45 age category, Dinesh (41:55) won the top spot; while Rajesh Chandra Dey (53:54) and Sashank Chanana (56:59) were declared 1st and 2nd runner-ups respectively.
The males 46-59 age category was won by Gurjant Singh (54:55); while Narender Singh (56:02) and Hari Bath (59:35) attained 1st and 2nd runner-up positions.
In the females 16-30 age category Tanannum Bhandari (1:10:344) notched up the top spot, while Simar Makkar (1:14:07) and Ojaswini (1:29:15) were declared 1st and 2nd runner-ups respectively.
In females, 31-45 age category, Manisha (52:28) was declared winner, while Himani Jamwal (1:06:34) and Amrit Johal (1:13:52) attained the 1st and 2nd runner-up slots respectively. In the females 46-59 age category Aprajita Lobana (1:14:02) came in first, while Manjeet Kaur (1:24:54) and Suhinder Kaur (1:31:09) were declared 1st & 2nd runner- ups respectively.
The marathon also saw participation from specially-abled, wheelchair-bound runners, underlining the marathon’s commitment to accessibility and empowerment.
Danish Singh Mangat, Secretary, SJOBA, added, “The event featured 602 participants from across India. Runners raced in the competitive categories of 21 km and 10 km. There was a non-competitive segment of 5 km run too. A 3 km walk was also held. All these segments were open to men and women across all age groups."
After the marathon a prize distribution ceremony was held. Apart from senior office bearers of SJOBA the Founder President of SJOBA, Mac Sarin & Col Harpreet Singh Mann, Race Director were also present. Trophies were awarded to winners in each category, with recognition for both male and female participants.
Special awards were also presented to the youngest and oldest runners.Each participant received a finishing medal, goodie bag, and a healthy breakfast.
The Title Sponsor for the SJOBA Marathon 2025 was Scott Edil, while Rahi Care was the Co-Sponsor. Associate Sponsors include Indian Oil, Fortis, Halt, Coca-Cola (Kandhari Beverages), HDFC Bank, Sahayak Associates, and Verka.