The running community in Kolkata demonstrated its growing commitment to fitness this week, as more than 1,000 participants gathered for a promotional 5K run. The event served as a high-energy precursor to the
Held at the GD Ground in Salt Lake, Sector 3, Bidhannagar, the morning session drew a diverse crowd ranging from amateur fitness enthusiasts to seasoned athletes. The strong turnout highlighted the city's enthusiasm for long-distance running and provided a platform to build anticipation for the upcoming national event.
Building Momentum for India's Unique Coastal Marathon
The promotional event kicked off early, with bib collection beginning at 5:30 AM before the official flag-off at 6:45 AM. Organisers ensured the event remained accessible by offering free registration, which helped draw a significant number of participants. To support the runners, the event provided hydration stations, post-race breakfast, and complimentary race photographs. Additionally, the first 500 attendees were awarded exclusive promotional T-shirts.
This initiative was designed to bridge the gap between the running communities of West Bengal and Odisha. By bringing the spirit of the Puri Coastal Marathon to Kolkata, organisers aimed to encourage local runners to challenge themselves in a new environment. The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a keen interest in traveling to Odisha for the main event in December.
A New Challenge on the Horizon
The Puri Coastal Marathon 2026 is being marketed as India's first sand-plus-road marathon. This unique format is designed to test endurance by combining the traditional challenges of road running with the added difficulty of navigating sandy coastal stretches. The event is expected to attract runners from across the country who are looking for a distinctive sporting experience.
Following the success of the Kolkata promo run, interest in the December marathon has seen a notable increase. The event is positioned not only as a test of athletic endurance but also as a celebration of tourism and the natural beauty of the Odisha coastline. As the date approaches, the momentum generated in Kolkata is expected to translate into a significant contingent of runners heading to Puri to participate in the inaugural challenge.
