Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Vizag Runner Covers Thousands of Kilometers to Promote Soil Health
Challa Subramanya Sharma is a 58-year-old engineer from Visakhapatnam.
He ran a 21.1-kilometer half marathon in Vizag on Sunday.
He uses running to help people learn why healthy soil matters.
He has been doing this for about four and a half years.
One report says he has run 7,642 kilometers, while another gives an approximate total of 7,500 kilometers.
He has carried a Save Soil flag during runs in several places.
Sharma says people often talk about air and water pollution but not enough about damaged soil.
He plans to keep joining running events to encourage people to protect soil.
Challa Subramanya Sharma, a 58-year-old chartered civil engineer from Visakhapatnam, completed the 21.1-kilometer Vizag Half Marathon on Sunday.
He has used running for about four and a half years to raise awareness about soil health and conservation.
One article says Sharma has run 7,642 kilometers; another describes the total as approximately 7,500 kilometers.
His runs have taken him to cities and towns including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Raipur and Bhubaneswar.
Sharma says people discuss air and water pollution more than soil degradation, and plans to continue promoting soil protection and regeneration through running events.
- Who
- Challa Subramanya Sharma, a 58-year-old chartered civil engineer from Visakhapatnam.
- What
- He completed the 21.1-kilometer Vizag Half Marathon as part of a campaign to raise awareness about soil health and conservation.
- When
- Sunday; Sharma has been raising awareness through running for about four and a half years.
- Where
- The Vizag Half Marathon in Visakhapatnam; his awareness runs have covered locations in India including Vijayawada, Kakinada, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Raipur and Bhubaneswar.
- Why
- To draw attention to soil degradation and promote soil protection, regeneration and healthy soil.
- Runner
- Challa Subramanya Sharma
- Age and profession
- 58; chartered civil engineer
- Event
- Vizag Half Marathon 2026
- Half-marathon distance
- 21.1 kilometers
- Campaign duration
- About four and a half years
- Reported campaign distance
- One report says 7,642 kilometers; another says approximately 7,500 kilometers
- Campaign focus
- Soil health, conservation and awareness of soil degradation
