9 hrs ago
Odisha Backs Puri Coastal Marathon as Sports Tourism Showcase
Odisha is planning a marathon in Puri for December 13, 2026.
The race will include running on both sand and roads.
The organizers hope runners will come from across India and other places.
They want visitors to enjoy the coast and learn about Odisha’s culture.
The marathon will have Rs 1 crore in total prize money.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said sports can bring people together and encourage healthy living.
Kapil Dev also said running is important for athletes.
Before the marathon, a Promo Run was held across Odisha on World Tourism Day.
The state hopes the event will help more people take part in running and bring attention to Odisha as a sports destination.
Odisha officials presented the vision for the Puri Coastal Marathon 2026 in Bhubaneswar.
The marathon is scheduled for December 13 in Puri and will combine sand and road running.
Organizers describe it as a sporting and tourism event showcasing Odisha’s coastline and cultural heritage.
The event will offer total prize money of Rs 1 crore.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and cricketer Kapil Dev voiced support for the initiative.
- Who
- The Odisha Department of Tourism, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, and Kapil Dev were associated with the event unveiling the marathon vision.
- What
- The state outlined its vision for the Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, a sand-and-road running event.
- Where
- The vision was presented in Bhubaneswar, and the marathon is scheduled to take place in Puri, Odisha.
- When
- The marathon is scheduled for December 13, 2026; the vision event took place ahead of it.
- Why
- The initiative aims to promote running, fitness, tourism, community participation, and Odisha as a destination for major sporting events.
Key facts
- Event
- Puri Coastal Marathon 2026
- Scheduled date
- December 13, 2026
- Location
- Puri, Odisha
- Race format
- Sand and road running
- Total prize money
- Rs 1 crore
- Promo Run
- Held across Odisha on World Tourism Day, September 27
- Officials mentioned
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida
Quotes
Mohan Charan Majhi
Chief Minister of Odisha
“Odisha has always believed in the power of sports to inspire, unite and transform lives. Through initiatives such as the Puri Coastal Marathon, we are taking our commitment to fitness, healthy living and sporting excellence to a wider platform. We want Odisha to emerge as a leading destination for sports alongside its rich tourism and cultural identity.”
thehansindia.com
Kapil Dev
Former Indian cricket captain and PGTI chief
“I want to thank the Odisha government for their support in hockey. I want to thank especially the initiative of marathon. Marathon is very important. Running is important for a sports person. I am sure in the future, apart from tourism, Odisha will be known for sports.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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