Kolkata Hosts SBI Green Marathon Season 6: A Celebration of Sustainability
SBI Green Marathon Season 6 Takes Over Kolkata
The SBI Green Marathon Season 6 made its way to Kolkata, the cultural heart of India, after energizing various cities including Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, and Guwahati. The NKDA Football Ground in New Town buzzed with excitement at dawn, transforming into a lively hub for runners, families, fitness lovers, and advocates for sustainability, all set to run for the planet, as highlighted in a press release from SBI.
A Celebration of Community and Wellness
Amidst Kolkata's evolving green scenery and its enduring spirit, the marathon embodied the theme 'Run for a Greener India.' The city's rich tradition of community involvement, combined with an increasing emphasis on health and environmental stewardship, made the event particularly memorable. More than 5,000 participants, including enthusiastic runners, students, families, running clubs, and representatives from the Indian Army and Defence Forces, united with a common goal: to run not only for personal achievements but also for a cleaner, healthier future.
Dignitaries Support Sustainability Efforts
The marathon was officially launched by esteemed dignitaries, including Niraj Kumar Panda, Chief General Manager of Kolkata Circle, and several other General Managers from SBI. Their presence reaffirmed the bank's commitment to motivating communities nationwide to adopt sustainable practices and prioritize well-being.
Eco-Friendly Race Experience
In line with its green-first philosophy, the SBI Green Marathon provided an environmentally conscious race experience:
- Runners received organic T-shirts, plantable bibs, and reusable cloth goodie bags to promote low-waste habits.
- A unique hydration initiative featuring black alkaline water supported endurance and recovery post-race.
- Waste Management Partner Skrap facilitated waste segregation, recycling, and responsible disposal, with a detailed sustainability report to follow.
Kolkata Unites for a Common Cause
The event's energy was amplified by Mirchi RJ Neel and RJ Mohar, whose lively commentary and engaging interactions kept spirits high throughout the marathon.
Participants enjoyed various distances, from 5K to 10K to the half marathon, with AIMS-certified routes that brought together Kolkata's diverse running community, including defense forces, seasoned marathoners, fitness enthusiasts, students, and newcomers, all united in their mission for a greener India.
The scenic routes around New Town offered a refreshing blend of open spaces, fresh air, and the city's unique mix of nature and modernity, perfectly illustrating Kolkata's commitment to progress and sustainability.
A Significant Milestone in a Nationwide Journey
With each step, Kolkata demonstrated its dedication to environmental consciousness, holistic fitness, and community engagement. From the inspiring flag-off to the eco-friendly celebrations post-race, the city marked another significant milestone in the marathon's journey across 17 cities.
As the SBI Green Marathon Season 6 continues to its next location, Kolkata stands proud, reminding us that every step, every run, and every heartbeat contributes to a Greener India.