Dhenkanal: More than 4,600 runners from across the country participated in the second edition of the Tata Steel Kapilash Half Marathon 2025 organised in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Saturday.
The event, hosted by Tata Steel in association with the district administration and Odisha Athletic Association, took place on the periphery of the Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary under the theme “Run to Protect Wildlife”.
The event was flagged off by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Thanking the district administration and Tata Steel for organising the half-marathon, he called upon everyone to be aware of the protection of elephants and other wild animals. He also emphasised that the wealth and life of the local area can be protected by securing Gajraj (elephant).
Other dignitaries at the event included Krushna Chandra Patra, state’s Minister of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology; Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Higher Education, Odisha Literature and Culture; Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education; Rudra Narayan Pany, Dhenkanal MP, Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan, Parjang MLA, Simarani Nayak, Hindol MLA, Satrughan Jena, , Kamakyanagar MLA and Pratap Chandra Pradhan, Angul MLA.
Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, Dhenkanal Collector, Abhinav Sonkar, SP, Sumit Kar, Divisional Forest Officer, Dhenkanal, DB Sundara Ramam, vice-president (Raw Materials), Tata Steel, Uttam Singh, vice-president (Operations), Tata Steel, Meramandali and Sandeep Dhir, CEO, Tata Steel Technical Services Limited were also present.
Congratulating the winners of the half marathon, DB Sundara Ramam said, “This initiative has grown each year, attracting diverse participants from across the country. Beyond promoting physical fitness, the half-marathon highlights our commitment to sustainable practices by raising awareness of biodiversity conservation and wildlife. This event has been bringing international-standard sporting event to this region to promote local talent.”
“The Kapilash Half Marathon embodies Tata Steel’s commitment to fostering health, fitness, and community spirit,” said Uttam Singh. “As stewards of sustainable development, we believe such initiatives strengthen the bond between industry and society, promoting wellness while celebrating the spirit of determination. Together, we stride towards a healthier and fitter future,” he added.
Shubham Sindhu from Haryana emerged as the winner in the 21 km men’s category, while Bharti from Haryana claimed victory in the women’s 21 Km race.
To meet international standards, the event integrated cutting-edge technology, including timing mats, radio frequency chips, split timing mats, tracking cameras, and Wi-Fi networks. The route was certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), a global organisation representing marathon and distance running races worldwide. National-level agencies with expertise in organising similar runs across the country oversaw these enhancements.
Other industry bodies of the region – including MGM Minerals, NAVA Ltd, Indian Potash, Khemka Refractories, INOX Air Products, Tata 1mg, Tata Steel Technical Services Limited, Tata Steel Support Services Limited, Tata Steel Utility and Infrastructure Services Ltd, and Tata Pigments – partnered the half marathon.
