Guwahati, September 10 (Udaipur Kiran) : The Guwahati International Marathon was officially launched on September 11, 2026, with plans for its inaugural event scheduled for February 7, 2027. The marathon is set to attract around 12,000 participants across multiple race categories.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement during a press conference attended by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. The event, supported by PMG Sports LLP, will feature a full marathon of 42.195 kilometers, a half marathon of 21.097 kilometers, as well as 10-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 1.5-kilometer races. Organizers have promised a prize pool of ₹1.25 crores to enhance competitiveness and draw top athletes from India and abroad.
The full marathon is expected to include 30 elite male and female long-distance runners from around the world, alongside India’s best long-distance athletes. At the launch, CM Sarma expressed pride in the event, stating it would help position Guwahati as a destination for sports, fitness, and sports tourism.
“This marathon is more than just a race; it sends a strong message about Guwahati’s readiness to emerge as a key destination for sports and tourism,” he said. Sarma emphasized that the event would unite runners and communities from India and around the world while showcasing Assam’s rich culture and hospitality.
Gavaskar, who presented CM Sarma with bib number 1 as a symbol of support, noted that Guwahati has the potential to become a renowned marathon destination. “Running has a unique power to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds,” he remarked, highlighting the city’s opportunity to join the ranks of the world’s great marathon cities.
Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu will serve as the brand ambassador for the event. The marathon and other races will start and finish at the historic Judges Field, with runners traversing routes that include Guwahati University and the Kumar Verma Setu.
The course has been measured by Kim Vivian from Australia, a World Athletics Grade A certified road race course measurer. The race director will be Richard Hunter from the UK, while Ian Ladbrook will coordinate international elite athletes, and former Asian marathon champion Sunita Godara will oversee Indian elite athletes.
Registration for the first edition of the marathon opens on September 11, allowing runners from India and abroad to sign up. Organizers aim to establish the marathon as an annual international event, promoting fitness, sports tourism, community involvement, and enhancing Guwahati and Assam’s global sports identity.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.