Thousands of citizens, soldiers, veterans, defence families, students and fitness enthusiasts will come together on August 2 at Delhi Cantonment for the inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon, Delhi 2026—a landmark national event celebrating the 253-year legacy of The President’s Bodyguard (PBG), the personal troops of the Hon’ble President of India. The event will be flagged off by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and is Presented by Wonder Cement as Principal Partner with Bhutani Infra as the Powered by Partner
Raised in 1773, The President’s Bodyguard is the world’s only Airborne Cavalry Regiment, the oldest risala and the senior-most regiment of the Indian Armed Forces. For more than two and a half centuries, it has stood as a symbol of honour, courage, discipline and selfless service to the nation. Its soldiers are uniquely trained as both paratroopers and tankmen, balancing ceremonial excellence with operational readiness, while continuing to serve in some of the country’s most challenging environments, including annual deployments to the Siachen Glacier. The inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon pays tribute to pays tribute to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of this distinguished regiment, while also commemorating 27 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Built around the message “Run With Soldiers, Run For Soldiers”, this special edition of the Soldierathon offers citizens the rare opportunity to run in honour of the personal troops of the Hon’ble President of India. By doing so, participants can become part of a proud legacy that has safeguarded the nation’s highest office for over 250 years.
Open to seasoned runners, first-time participants, families, students, institutions and corporate teams, the Soldierathon features 10k, 5k, 3k and Cheer Buddy categories, making it a truly inclusive national movement. It brings civilians and the Armed Forces together through fitness, remembrance and purpose. A major highlight of this year’s event is the 10k Team Championship that invites organisations, institutions and corporate teams to compete for top honours and attractive prizes. Participants will also witness spectacular military performances by the Indian Army, offering a rare glimpse into the professionalism, precision and traditions of India’s Armed Forces, adding to an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the finish line, the President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon champions a larger national purpose. Supporting the Government of India’s Fit India Movement, the event promotes the message “Say Yes to Sports and No to Drugs,” encouraging young Indians to embrace fitness, discipline and healthy living while strengthening the bond between citizens and the Armed Forces. The proceeds from the President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon will support the welfare of the troops and horses of The President’s Bodyguard, preserving the regiment’s proud equestrian heritage while contributing to the welfare of its serving personnel. The event will also support the Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, where wounded soldiers receive treatment, rehabilitation and recovery, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
Major Dr Surendra Poonia, VSM (Ex-Special Forces), Founder of Soldierathon and Co-founder of Fitistan, said: “I had the honour and privilege of serving in The President’s Bodyguard, and it fills me with immense pride to witness the inaugural President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon. This event is my humble tribute to the regiment that shaped my values and exemplifies the highest traditions of courage, discipline, and selfless service. It is an even greater honour that the Hon’ble President of India is graciously inaugurating this historic initiative, lending it unparalleled significance and making it a truly defining moment in the legacy of The President’s Bodyguard.”
Speaking about the initiative, Shilpa Bhagat, Co-founder of Fitistan, added: “The President’s Bodyguard Soldierathon is far more than a running event. It is an opportunity for every Indian to connect with one of the country’s most distinguished military regiments and honour a legacy that represents courage, discipline and service. Through fitness, we are bringing citizens and soldiers together while supporting causes that make a meaningful difference to the lives of our Armed Forces. We are proud that the inaugural edition celebrates the remarkable 253-year journey of The President’s Bodyguard.”
The Soldierathon movement has, over the years, inspired thousands of Indians to embrace the ideals of service before self, resilience, discipline and national pride. Guided by the vision of visionary leaders including Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, General Bipin Rawat and its current Patron, General VK Singh, the movement continues to strengthen the connection between citizens and the Armed Forces through fitness and purposeful action. Wonder Cement’s participation as Principal Partner and Bhutani Infra as the Powered by Partner reflecting the company’s commitment to initiatives that celebrate national pride, inspire community participation and honour those who serve the country.
