Odisha Gears Up for the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026
Odisha's Vision for the Upcoming Marathon
The Odisha Tourism Department has laid out its plans for the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, emphasizing sports, fitness, tourism, and community involvement. This marathon is set to take place in Puri on December 13, with notable attendance from Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, as highlighted in a press release.
Promoting Sports and Tourism
During the event, Chief Minister Majhi remarked, "Odisha has always recognized the transformative power of sports. Through events like the Puri Coastal Marathon, we aim to promote fitness and sporting excellence on a larger scale. Our goal is to position Odisha as a premier destination for sports, complementing its rich cultural and tourism offerings."
Deputy Chief Minister Parida added, "The OMC Puri Coastal Marathon is more than just a race; it serves as a platform to promote fitness and encourage sports participation. With Puri's stunning coastline and cultural richness, we invite runners from all over India and beyond to experience Odisha's spirit through sports."
Celebrating Sporting Icons
A significant highlight of the event was the attendance of Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev, the captain of India's inaugural ODI World Cup-winning team. His presence emphasized the importance of sporting figures in motivating future generations and fostering a culture of fitness. Kapil Dev expressed gratitude to the Odisha government for its support in hockey and emphasized the importance of marathons, stating, "Running is crucial for athletes, and I believe Odisha will gain recognition not just for tourism but also for sports in the future."
Honoring National Athletes
The event also recognized India's sporting accomplishments by honoring Baranica Elangovan, who secured India's first-ever Asian Games medal in pole vaulting with a bronze in 2026, and Animesh Kujur, who holds the national record in the 200-meter sprint. This recognition highlighted their contributions to Indian athletics and underscored the need to support and celebrate sporting talent.
Unveiling the Marathon's Identity
The creative identity and vision for the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026 were presented through a master video, showcasing the marathon's design story, along with the launch of the official medal and jersey. A special photo session with athletes further commemorated the occasion, uniting sporting personalities and stakeholders ahead of the event.
A Unique Experience of Sports and Tourism
The OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, recognized as India's only marathon that combines sand and road running, aims to provide a unique sporting and tourism experience. It is expected to attract runners from across the nation and beyond, highlighting Odisha's breathtaking coastline, rich cultural heritage, spiritual significance, and renowned hospitality. With a total prize pool of Rs 1 crore, the marathon seeks to merge sports and tourism, encouraging healthier lifestyles while showcasing the state's natural and cultural beauty.
Creating Buzz for the Landmark Event
This event follows the statewide Promo Run held on World Tourism Day, September 27, which gathered participants from all over Odisha to promote fitness and raise awareness about the marathon. This initiative reflects the state's commitment to fostering public participation in running and establishing Odisha as a hub for major sporting events.
With the launch of the marathon's visual identity, the acknowledgment of national sporting achievers, and the involvement of distinguished guests, this event marks a significant step towards the marathon. As Odisha prepares to welcome runners to Puri this December, the marathon aims to celebrate endurance, sporting excellence, and community engagement while reinforcing the connection between sports and tourism.