In the heart of Delhi, the Sekhon IAF Marathon 2025 was flagged off at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium amid readings above 400 on the Air Quality Index (AQI)—categorised as “severe” and normally considered unsafe for outdoor exertion. Hundreds gathered for the run, which was organised by the Indian Air Force and featured 10 km and 5 km races despite repeated health advisories to avoid heavy outdoor activity.

Social media erupted as images of the event circulated online. One post asked: “Marathon in 400 AQI. At least worry a bit about the country’s image.” Participants warned of immediate health effects — coughing, sore throat, and chest discomfort — while online voices labelled the decision “irresponsible at best, suicidal at worst.”

Despite the event’s framing as a tribute to national heroes and a nod to fitness culture, its timing has been widely criticised. Medical experts and public-health voices say running in such polluted air negates benefits and raises risk of respiratory and cardiovascular harm. For a city already grappling with entrenched smog, the incident signals a clash of optics, health policy and public messaging — a reminder that for fitness to be meaningful, the air we breathe has to support it.