Chandigarh woke up to an energetic and inspiring Sunday morning as more than 3,500 runners gathered to participate in the first-ever Chandigarh International Marathon. The landmark sporting event was flagged off by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, marking a significant addition to the city’s growing sports culture.
Organised by the Department of Sports, Chandigarh Administration, the marathon featured four categories — the full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10-km run, and 5-km run. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, students, and families turned out in large numbers, transforming the city’s wide roads into a vibrant display of endurance and community spirit.
The event recorded impressive performances right in its debut edition. The 42-km full marathon was completed in a remarkable time of 2 hours and 17 minutes, while the 21-km half marathon concluded in just 1 hour and 1 minute. The strong timings reflected both the competitive spirit of the runners and the smooth organisation of the event.
Speaking to mediapersons after flagging off the race, Kataria expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming participation. He noted that more than 3,500 participants competed across the four categories and described the response as a clear sign that Chandigarh is ready to host large-scale sporting events. He thanked the runners and the media for their support in making the marathon a success.
The atmosphere throughout the morning remained electric. Elite runners pushed their limits in the full marathon, while serious fitness enthusiasts tested themselves in the half marathon. The 10-km category saw enthusiastic participation from amateur runners, and the 5-km run brought families and young participants together, giving the event a festive and inclusive feel.
A day before the marathon, Kataria was ceremonially presented with the official Marathon T-shirt at Lok Bhavan. He received T-Shirt No. 1, symbolising leadership and commitment to sportsmanship. Senior officials from the Chandigarh Administration were present during the presentation, underlining the administration’s active involvement in promoting sports in the Union Territory.
Looking ahead, the Governor announced plans to organise a cycle marathon in the future to encourage greater participation from children and youth. He also reiterated ongoing efforts to make Punjab drug-free through coordinated initiatives involving law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and community leaders.
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The successful debut of the Chandigarh International Marathon signals a promising future for sporting events in the city. With record timings, strong participation, and enthusiastic public support, the marathon has firmly established itself as a new annual highlight on Chandigarh’s sporting calendar.