IAF conducts Ultra Marathon

These expeditions were organized by the Indian Air Force as a befitting tribute to the valour and sacrifice made by the Indian Armed forces during the 1965 Indo- Pak war.

The Ultra Marathon was flagged off on 09 Sep 15  from Pathankot and culminated at Hindon on 19 Sep 15 covering a distance of  around 574 kms in 11 days covering major airbases enroute at Adampur, Halwar and Ambala.

Seven air warriors  participated in this extreme endurance event.  Running an average of 55 kms per day, these bravehearts endured scorching heat, blistering roads and intense exhaustion and dehydration , drawing on their will power and motivation.  They were joined by a large no of air warriors at the enroute air bases  for distances upto 21 kms and 42 kms.

Gp Capt VS Choudhary VM, Gp Capt Arvind Tripathi, Sqn Ldr S Gayathri,  and Cpl M Bishnoi  completed the entire ultra marathon distance of 574 kms, overcoming blisters, cramps and heat exhaustion. Fg Offr S Dixit, Sgt GB Mishra, Sgt AK Yadav covered the distance in relay format and were joined by Gp Capt Manoj Kumar who joined the team from Ambala to Hindon covering a distance of around 240 kms.

The Microlight and twin PHG expeditions were flagged on 16 Sep 15 from AF Stn Pathankot and AF Stn Amritsar respectively.  These ultra light aircraft landed at major airbases of WAC such as Adampur, Halwara and Amabala and gave motivational joy rides  to air warriors and civilians  to introduce them to the thrill of aero adventure sports.

The crew for the microlight comprised of Wg Cdr VS Shokeen and Sgt Sunil whereas the two PHGs were piloted by Sqn Ldr WS Singh, Sqn Ldr Ajmer Singh, Sgt ML Yadav,  Sgt Ram Mehar and Cpl Dobhal.

AVM Menon complimented the  runners and the pilots for successfully completing this unique odyssey and also appreciated the efforts put in by all in ensuring the success of this commemorative event.