Golden Pagoda Marathon 2025

Golden Pagoda Marathon 2025 is being hosted at Golden Pagoda, Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, 9th Feb 2025. 

The Place: 

Namsai, a town in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is famous for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical significance. Here are some key highlights that make Namsai well-known. Read more about Namsai below:

The Event:

There are 4 event categories:

1. Full Marathon (18 years and above)
2. Half Marathon (18 years and above)
3. 10k Run (12 Years and above)
4. 5k Run (No Age Criteria)

All the events are competitive and RFID timed. Each registered participant shall receive the following:

• Official Dri-Fit T Shirt
• Finisher Medal
• Route Support - Water, Salts, Energy Drink, Bananas etc.
• Post Run Breakfast 
• Goodie Bag 

Race Day: Sunday, 9th February 2025

Start from outside Golden Pagoda, Namsai

Registration Start Date : Sunday, 1st December 2024, 7 AM IST

Registration End Date: Saturday, 15th January 2024, 11:59 PM IST or as soon as running places are over, whichever is earlier. 

Prize Money

Prize money mentioned above is subject to change. Organisers are under no obligation to provide prior information to registered participants 

Applicant Fee (inclusive of GST @18%)

# GST No.07AATCS6388R1ZX

The registration fee paid is exclusively for your participation in the race category chosen at the 2025 Golden Pagoda Marathon. Registration fee is not, in part or full, payable for any offers/ promotions/ discounts/goodies/race day tee, etc. These, if offered, will be by event sponsors/ partners/ brands through the Event Promoter separately.

Change of Event Category - It is strictly allowed on or before 15th Jan 2025. The participant need to

    a. Mail at helpdesk@goldenpagodamarathon.com

    b. Cancel the existing ticket (Refund will be made after deduction of INR 200 as processing charges)

    c. Buy new ticket (new category) 

    Change of category will not be allowed after 15th January 2025

Cancellation of ticket/ Refund Policy

• Once an entry is received, no requests for refund of application fees will be entertained under any circumstances.
• Where your application is rejected for reasons whatsoever, the entry fee component paid will be refunded on or before 31st Jan 2025. An amount of ₹ 200 will be deducted as processing charges.
• Application fees shall not be refunded by virtue of non-participation, including failure by a confirmed participant to collect his/her bib from the Expo or not allowed to run on the race day due to high temperature or being unwell.
• Any refund discrepancies must be brought to the attention of the event registration team immediately. Refund queries will not be entertained post 15th January 2025.

Important Race Rules:

Over All Winners (Full Marathon/ Half Marathon/ 10k) – The winners shall be decided on the basis of Finish Time – First runner to finish the race shall be announced as winner. Reporting on all time stations is mandatory.

Age Category Winners (Full Marathon/ Half Marathon/ 10k) – The winners shall be decided on the basis of Net Time i.e.; Finish time minus Start Time = Net Time

5k Winners - There is no age category in 5k. Its an open event and winners shall be decided based on Gun Time. The winners shall be decided on the basis of Finish Time – First runner to finish the race shall be announced as winner. Reporting on all time stations is mandatory.

Early Start – Runners who start the race before the category flag off time shall not be considered for Age Category Winners List

Late Start – Runners who start the race 10 minutes after category gun time shall not be considered for Age Category Winners List

Holding the Bib in hand – Runners who are found holding the bib in hand shall not be considered for Overall/ Age Category Winners List

Change of Category – Runners who run a different category as against mentioned on the bib shall be deemed as “Did not Finish”

Loss of Race Bib/ Chest No. – The Race Bib/ Chest No. shall not be replaced under any circumstances. The runners are expected to keep the bib safely and report at the venue as per schedule.

Tempering with the Race Bib – Runners are expected to wear the bib with the help of 4 safety pins on chest/ torso and keep the bib as is. Runners must not fold the bib/ remove the timing tag/ foam strip provided behind the bib.

Prizes – Runners announced as winners at the venue are subject to change in case of mis-match name/ gender/ age or any other malpractice identified later. 

Race Affiliation/ Endorsement – Golden Pagoda Marathon is not endorsed by any athletic association/ federation. The certificate provided after the race may not help runners qualifying for job promotions/ qualifying for events organized national or state federations/ associations

Waiver

I declare, confirm and agree as follows that I / my ward…

Have given true and complete information in this application form and me/my ward is/am solely responsible for the accuracy of this information;

Have fully read and understood the Medical Advisory

Have fully understood the risk and responsibility of participating in the Golden Pagoda Marathon or any Event outlined in this application (collectively “the Event”) and will be participating entirely at my/his/her risk and responsibility;

Understand that I/my ward shall participate only on the route designated by the Event organizer

Understand that l/my ward must be of, and must train to, an appropriate level of fitness to participate in such a physically demanding Event and l/my ward have obtained a medical clearance from a registered medical practitioner, allowing me to participate in the Event;

For myself/ourselves and our legal representatives, waive all claims of whatsoever nature against any and all Sponsors of the Event, Golden Pagoda  Marathon Committee persons, officials of Proactive Sports India Private Limited and all other persons and entities associated with the Event and the directors, employees, agents and representatives of all or any of the afore mentioned including, but not limited to, any claims that might result from me/my ward participating in the Event and whether on account of illness, injury, death or otherwise;

Shall provide to Event officials such medical data relating to me/my ward as they may request. I agree that nothing herein shall oblige the Event officials or organizers or any other person to incur any expense or to provide any treatment;

In case of any illness or injury caused to me/my ward or death suffered by me/my ward due to any medical reasons or medical condition during the Event or at any time thereafter as a result of the Event, regardless or not whether such medical reasons or condition shall have been pre-existing conditions known by me and further regardless of whether I/my ward shall have disclosed, at any point in time, the existence of such reason or condition to any person, none of the sponsors of the Event or any of the Golden Pagoda  Marathon Committee persons, officials of Proactive Sports India Private Limited or any persons or entities associated with the Event or the directors, employees, agents or representatives of all or any of the aforementioned shall be held liable by me/my ward or my/my ward’s representatives;

In case of any illness, transmittable/communicable/contagious disease or injury caused to me/my ward or death suffered by me/my ward during the Event or due to any force majeure Event including but not limited to fire, riots or other civil disturbances, earthquakes, storms, typhoons or any terrorist act, none of the sponsors of the Event or authorities, any of the Golden Pagoda  Marathon Committee persons, officials of Proactive Sports India Private Limited or any persons or entities associated with the Event or the directors, employees, agents or representatives of all or any of the aforementioned shall be held liable by me/my ward or my/my ward’s representatives;

Understand, agree and irrevocably permit Proactive Sports India to share the information given by me/my ward in this application, with all/any entities associated with the Golden Pagoda Marathon, at its own discretion;

I/my ward understand, agree and irrevocably permit Proactive Sports India to use my/my ward’s photograph/ video which may be photographed/ recorded on race day and/or during various functions of the Event, for the purpose of promoting Golden Pagoda Marathon, at its own discretion.

I/my ward do agree to receive information and offers of various brands/products/services as may be sent to me/my ward by the Event promoters (or a person duly authorized by the promoters) on the email address given by me/my ward in this application form;

I/my ward understand and agree that my/my ward’s data (i.e. name, email id, address, PAN number (if provided)) shall be shared with United Way Mumbai in order to receive a donation receipt / acknowledgement for any donation made.

I/my ward understand and agree that I/my ward shall receive Event related updates on the registered mobile number through WhatsApp.

I/my ward understand and agree to the Event rules and guidelines

Medical Advisory

Before applying for the race and coming on race day, please review these medical scenarios based on the 2020 PAR-Q+:

Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition or high blood pressure?

Do you feel pain in your chest at rest, during your daily activities of living, or when you do physical activity?

Do you lose balance because of dizziness, or have you lost consciousness in the last 12 months?

Have you ever been diagnosed with another chronic medical condition (other than heart disease or high blood pressure)?

Are you currently taking prescribed medications for a chronic medical condition?

Do you have a bone, joint, or soft tissue (muscle, ligament, or tendon) problem that could be made worse by becoming more physically active?

Has your doctor ever said that you should only do medically supervised physical activity?

The above questionnaire helps identify any potential health risks associated with physical activity. You are strongly advised to consult your personal physician before embarking on training and participating in the long-distance race. If you have answered ‘YES’ to any of the above 2020 PAR-Q+ questions, it is even more reason for you to seek medical advice before you commence training and participate on race day. While long-distance running has its health benefits, it's crucial to acknowledge the reality of your body, mind, and the inherent risks associated with negotiating such extended distances. Train responsibly and ensure you are fit to participate safely.

Only a doctor who is familiar with your unique medical history, current health status, medications, and pre-existing risk factors can provide guidance on your suitability for training and participation in the Golden Pagoda MARATHON 2025. By following these straightforward steps and heeding the counsel of your physician, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about participating in the race.

Pre-Race Preparation and Education -

- Hydration and Nutrition:

Ensure you are well-hydrated and maintain balanced nutrition in the days leading up to the race. Familiarize yourself with the locations of hydration stations along the course and consider carrying your own hydration if needed. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages before the race, as they can contribute to dehydration.

- Environmental Awareness:

Be aware of the environmental conditions expected on race day, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. Acclimatize to these conditions in your training runs and dress accordingly. If air quality is poor or temperatures are high, adjust your race pace and hydration strategies to stay safe.

- Health Screening:

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, especially a history of cardiovascular issues, it is essential to undergo a health check-up well before race day. Ensure you are cleared to participate and follow any medical advice provided.

On the Race Day

- Warm-Up and Stretching:

Begin your race day with a proper warm-up, including light jogging and dynamic stretching, to prepare your muscles and joints. This helps to prevent injuries and primes your body for the physical exertion ahead.

- Elevation and Acclimatization:

- Forecasted weather High: 20°C and Low: 12◦C. Humidity - 71%.

Although the Golden Pagoda Marathon is mainly a flat course, there are a few sections with slight elevation. It's essential to prepare ahead of time for these elevations by incorporating hills and inclines during your training regime. Additionally, it's vital to acclimatize from humidity and temperature changes in the weeks leading up to the event, particularly if you are an out-of-town runner.

Race Day Safety Tips

- Before you reach the venue, we recommend taking a moment to complete the emergency contact information on the back of your bib. This information should include details such as allergies, medical conditions, and the contact’s name and mobile number of the person we can call in case of any emergency. Such a person should be easily reachable on race day and should ideally not be a participant in the Golden Pagoda Marathon 2025. You agree, represent, and undertake that the information shared is true and legal. You agree that the Company shall not be held liable in any manner whatsoever for any wrong/invalid/half information/details submitted.

Listen to Your Body:

Pay close attention to how your body feels during the race. Do not ignore symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or severe shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, slow down, rest, and seek medical help at the nearest aid station.

Pacing: Start at a manageable pace and avoid overexertion, especially considering the gradual rise in temperature as the morning progresses. Run at your own comfortable pace. As soon as you feel overexerted or feel dizziness, gasping for breath, palpitations, or a sinking feeling, chest pain, stop right there and seek help at the nearest medical camp.

Hydration: Begin hydrating well in advance and continue throughout the race. Utilize the hydration and electrolyte stations along the route. Sip small amount of water frequently rather than large amounts at once. Include electrolyte drinks when available to replenish lost salts, especially with the temperature reaching 20◦C along with humidity of about 71%. Water and energy drink stations will be readily available along the route. Nevertheless, understanding your body, its specific requirements, and your judgment and decision to be adequately hydrated from time to time will help you complete the race. However, do not unnecessarily stop at every station to avoid overhydration. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid excessive rehydration immediately after the race. Rehydration should be a gradual process over the next 24 hours. Runners can monitor their fluid status in training through two methods: (i)measuring weight before and after a run while lightly dressed, aiming to maintain or lose no more than 2% of body weight, and (ii) monitoring urine colour to ensure it stays yellow, indicating adequate hydration, as overly clear urine could indicate overhydration, while dark urine could signal dehydration. As each body is unique, the above are just indicators/pointers. Medical and professional advice is recommended at all stages during training, during the race, and after the race.

- Cooling Strategies: -

Use water stations to splash water on your face and body to cool down. Wet sponges or misting stations can also help reduce body temperature. consider wearing a damp neck scarf or headband for additional cooling. if feeling overheated, slow your pace or take brief walking breaks to prevent heat- related issues.

- Race Course Awareness:

Familiarize yourself with the racecourse, including the locations of medical aid stations, hydration points, and challenging segments like uphill sections. Knowing the course will help you manage your effort and stay safe.

Post-Race Recovery/ Care:

Cool Down: After finishing, as you cross the finish line, do not suddenly come to a halt. Keep walking ahead – this is a medical need. During any prolonged physical activity, the body's blood supply tends to shift towards the extremities and away from internal organs. Therefore, it's advisable for runners to continue walking and try breathing normally after completing the race. Standing still or abruptly stopping can induce feelings of nausea, dizziness, and weakness, often leading to fainting. Walking will help redistribute blood flow to vital organs, so it is recommended to stay in motion. This is particularly important given the high daytime temperature. If at any point you feel the need for assistance, please reach out to one of our medical personnel.

Rehydration and Nutrition: Continue to hydrate post-race with water and electrolyte solutions. consume a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein within 30-60 minutes to aid muscle recovery.

Monitoring for Heat- Related Illnesses: be vigilant for symptoms of heat related illnesses, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive fatigue, or confusion. given the forecasted temperature, the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke is heightened. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

Emergency Protocols

- Recognizing Medical Emergencies:

Be aware of the signs of serious conditions such as heat stroke, hyponatremia, or cardiac events. Symptoms may include confusion, loss of consciousness, severe headache, nausea, or chest pain. If you or a fellow runner experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to visit the medical tents and alert the medical staff immediately. Medical personnel are on hand to assist with any concerns, no matter how minor they may seem.

- Emergency Contacts: Know the emergency contact procedures and where to find medical assistance on the course and at the finish line. Keep emergency contact information easily accessible and ensure that those close to you are aware of your race day plans.

This advisory is designed to help you stay safe, perform your best, and enjoy the race. Prioritize your health and well-being at every stage of your preparation and participation.

Medical Services on Race Day

(Name of the Hospital) (Event’s Medical Partner) will have the following medical facilities at the event venue/s and on the route, strategically staffed with a variety of healthcare professionals to provide basic first aid to those in need. Medical personnel can be identified by their medical volunteer t-shirts. In case of injury or feeling unwell, please don't hesitate to approach a member of the medical team for support. Please refer to your respective race route maps for medical facilities deployed for your race category and indicative locations thereof.

- Fully equipped Medical Base Camps Post Finish Line/s

- Medical stations on course

- Medical aid station at the Half Marathon start

- Medical aid station within post finish zones

- Well-equipped ambulances

- Paramedics on bikes

- Medical Spotters placed every 100m during the last 2 km of the half marathon to identify participants in need of medical attention.

Responsibilities of Every Participant

It would be the sole discretion and responsibility of the participant to decide whether to participate on the race day if it coincides with a religious and/or cultural festivity wherein he/she follows a choice to fast.

Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. If you have diabetes, low/high BP, known personal or family history of cardiac diseases or any other health concerns/diseases for which your doctor has recommended ongoing treatment, or have recently undergone major surgeries, recovered from post-COVID or any respiratory viral infection or experience exercise-induced symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, seeking medical advice is essential. This ensures you are well-prepared and aware of potential health risks associated with distance running, promoting a safe and enjoyable experience on race day.

Fill out the emergency information on the reverse of your bib number, including medical history, medications taken.

Understand the local weather forecasts and risks associated with changes in temperatures during the run.

Develop a suitable hydration plan for race day.

If you experience medical issues, seek help immediately.

Aid fellow participants in distress and seek medical assistance if required and obtain assistance from our course medical groups or the event helpline number which is ............................................

Anti Doping Policy

To whomsoever it may concern

Proactive Sports, Promoter of the Golden Pagoda Marathon duly follows the anti-doping norms laid down by World Athletics under its Anti-Doping Rules (as may be in force on the date of the race conducted).

Anti-doping tests may be conducted on randomly selected men and women athletes in accordance with the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, and as may be directed by AIU (Athletics Integrity Unit). Any athlete refusing to undergo these tests, where chosen, for whatever reasons, shall forfeit his/her finish position and prize money entitlement. An athlete refusing to undergo such test will also be disqualified from participation at the subsequent edition of the Event.

About Namsai

1. Buddhist Culture and the Golden Pagoda (Lying Buddha Statue):

Namsai is home to the Golden Pagoda, also known as the Sangken Temple or the Buddhist Monastery, which is a major Buddhist center in the region. The temple features intricate Buddhist architecture and a large statue of the Lying Buddha, making it an important spiritual and cultural site. The Golden Pagoda has become a prominent attraction for both pilgrims and tourists.

2. Tea Gardens:

Namsai is known for its tea gardens, especially Peyang Tea Estate. The region's tea cultivation is an integral part of its economy, and the scenic tea gardens add to the natural allure of the area. Namsai's tea is considered high quality, with a unique flavor profile influenced by the region’s climate and terrain.

3. Rich Tribal Culture:

The town and surrounding areas are inhabited by various indigenous tribes such as the Tai Khamti, Mishmi, and Nyishi people. Their festivals, rituals, traditional dances, and customs contribute to the rich cultural fabric of the region. The Madai Festival, celebrated by the Tai Khamti people, is one of the most important cultural events, with vibrant performances and celebrations.

4. Natural Beauty:

Namsai is surrounded by lush forests, hilly terrain, and scenic landscapes, which are ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The town is located near the Mishmi Hills and offers opportunities for trekking, bird-watching, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region. It is also close to the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and Namdapha National Park, two of the largest protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh.

5. Strategic Location:

Namsai is strategically important as it lies close to the international border with China, and it has been developed as a key administrative and commercial center in the region. This proximity to the border also gives the town a unique geopolitical significance.

6. Cultural Diversity:

Namsai is a melting pot of various cultures, owing to the diverse ethnic communities that reside there. The people of Namsai speak different languages, and the town reflects a blend of tribal and mainstream Indian cultures.

Summing up, Namsai is famous for its Buddhist heritage, tea cultivation, tribal culture, and picturesque landscapes, making it a unique destination in Arunachal Pradesh.