Guwahati, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Guwahati International Marathon was officially launched on September 11, 2026. Scheduled for February 7, 2027, the inaugural event is anticipated to feature around 12,000 participants across various race categories.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the marathon during a press conference attended by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. The event, supported by PMG Sports LLP, will include a full marathon of 42.195 kilometers, a half marathon of 21.097 kilometers, a 10-kilometer race, a 5-kilometer run, and a 1.5-kilometer race. Organizers have set a prize pool of ₹1.25 crore, aiming to attract top athletes and professional runners from India and abroad.
The full marathon is expected to feature 30 elite long-distance runners, both men and women, from around the world, alongside India’s best long-distance athletes.
During the launch, CM Sarma expressed pride in the event, stating it would help establish Guwahati as a destination for sports, fitness, and sports tourism. He emphasized that this marathon is more than just a race; it symbolizes Guwahati’s readiness to become a major hub for these activities. The event will bring together runners and communities from India and across the globe while showcasing Assam’s rich culture, natural beauty, and renowned hospitality.
Sarma noted that the marathon could evolve into an annual tradition, inspiring greater participation in fitness and sports throughout the state. In a symbolic gesture during the launch, Gavaskar presented Sarma with bib number 1, representing the chief minister’s support for the event.
Gavaskar highlighted Guwahati’s potential to become one of the world’s premier marathon destinations. He remarked, “Running has a unique power to bring people together, regardless of their community or culture. I believe it’s the right time for Guwahati to join the ranks of the great marathon cities of the world. Our goal is to make the Guwahati International Marathon a spectacular global event featuring the best runners from around the world.”
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. According to the planned route, runners will head towards Guwahati University, cross the Kumar Verma bridge, proceed towards IIT Guwahati, and return to Judges Field, crossing the bridge again.
The course has been measured by Kim Vivian from Australia, who holds a World Athletics Grade-A certified road race course measurement. Richard Hunter from the UK will act as the race director, while Ian Ladbrook will coordinate international elite athletes. Former Asian marathon champion Sunita Godara will serve as the coordinator for Indian elite athletes.
Registration for the marathon’s first edition opens on September 11, allowing both domestic and international runners to sign up. Organizers aim to develop this marathon into an annual international event, promoting fitness, sports tourism, community participation, and enhancing Guwahati and Assam’s global sports identity.
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