Bhubaneswar: A wave of energy swept through the streets of Bhubaneswar on Sunday as sports enthusiasts, local runners, and community members gathered for a special “Promo Run” to generate momentum and raise awareness for the upcoming OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, scheduled to take place on December 13 in Puri.
The event stands out as India’s only marathon that combines both sand and road running and features a total prize purse of Rs 1 crore. “Through this promo marathon, our goal is to awaken Odisha, promote fitness, and generate interest among the youth to embrace marathons as major events. Beyond running, marathons boost tourism and create new livelihood opportunities. Odisha is positioning itself as a hub for adventure tourism, incorporating water sports, hot air ballooning, and various other activities,” Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who holds the Tourism portfolio, told the media.
Officials further noted that over 2,000 registrations have already been received for the main event. Social media influencers and citizens have been encouraged to spread awareness about the marathon to promote public engagement and showcase Odisha’s tourism opportunities.
This followed a curtain-raiser event led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Deputy Chief Minister, showcasing the Department of Tourism’s vision to integrate sports, wellness, and heritage. The marathon’s visual identity alongside official promotional videos detailing the design story behind the official marathon jersey and finishers’ medals were showcased at the ceremony.
“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,” CM Majhi said, highlighting the state’s broader ambition to establish itself as a premier global sports destination.
The curtain-raiser gained extra star power with the presence of legendary cricketer and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President Kapil Dev, who praised the state’s multi-sport ecosystem. Expressing his appreciation for Odisha’s legendary sponsorship of Indian hockey and its expanding athletic vision, Kapil Dev said, “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.”
The event also served as a national platform to celebrate elite athletic excellence, featuring the formal felicitation of Baranica Elangovan, who recently made history by winning India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in pole vault with a bronze at the 2026 Games, and Animesh Kujur, the Indian national record holder in the 200-metre sprint.