India has witnessed a surge in the popularity of marathons over the past few decades, with events like the Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Ladakh marathons becoming annual fixtures on the country’s sporting calendar. The marathon, a grueling 42.195 km race, has a rich history dating back to its inclusion in the modern Summer Olympics in 1896.
India’s marathon legacy traces back to 1918 when Pune hosted its first-ever marathon alongside the inaugural meeting of the Indian Olympic Association. Pune continued to play a pivotal role in the country’s marathon history, hosting the first national marathon in 1919 and the Pune International Marathon in 1983, India’s first international marathon event.
The Mumbai Marathon, inaugurated in 2004, has emerged as a premier race in India and is the only Indian full marathon with a gold label status from World Athletics. Other prominent marathons in India include the Ladakh Marathon, Kaveri Trail Marathon, Goa River Marathon, Kolkata Marathon, Bengaluru Marathon, and the Pinkathon.
In a landmark moment for Indian marathons, the Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh organized the country’s first-ever snow marathon in 2022, held at an elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest snow marathon globally.
Notable in Indian athletics history is Shivnath Singh’s enduring national record of 2:12:00 in the men’s marathon, set in Jalandhar in 1978. This record stands as the longest-standing Indian athletics national record to date.
The 2024 Indian marathon season commenced with the Chennai Marathon on January 6, heralding a year packed with marathons across the country. From the Vadodara International Marathon to the Dehradun Ultra Run, marathon enthusiasts have a diverse array of races to participate in throughout the year.
As marathons continue to gain traction in India, the country’s diverse landscape and cultural vibrancy provide a unique backdrop for runners from around the world. The blend of traditional marathons with innovative events like the snow marathon in Lahaul showcases India’s evolving marathon scene, attracting both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts.
The 2024 Indian marathon calendar is a testament to the growing popularity and accessibility of marathons in the country, offering a platform for athletes to showcase their endurance and determination in diverse settings ranging from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes.
📰 Related Articles
- Vienna’s Ball Season: Tradition Meets Modern Innovation
- Ventura County Legacy Runners Conquer 40 Years of LA Marathon
- Seville Marathon: A Sporting Spectacle of Tradition and Beauty
- Samsung Partners with TCS Sydney Marathon for Health Innovation
- Samantha Thavasa: Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Fashion Industry