Udaipur : Hindustan Zinc Limited successfully organised the third Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur, with more than 9,700 runners participating through on-ground and virtual formats. Participation increased by around 45 per cent compared with the previous edition.
Recognised as one of India’s most scenic marathons, the event saw participants from India and abroad compete in the 21.097-km half marathon, 10-km and 5-km categories. The event turned Udaipur into a celebration of fitness, enthusiasm and social purpose.
A special Champions Race was also organised for students of Hindustan Zinc’s Shiksha Sambal education initiative, along with participation from people from rural areas of Rajasthan and different communities of Udaipur. Experienced runners, first-time participants, senior citizens, women’s fitness groups, corporate teams and athletes with disabilities added to the inclusive nature of the event.
The marathon was flagged off by Udaipur MP Mannalal Rawat, Udaipur Range IGP Gaurav Srivastava, Udaipur Collector Gaurav Agrawal, Udaipur SP Dr Amrita Duhan, Rajsamand Collector Arun Hasija, Rajsamand SP Hemant Kalal, Vedanta Group Global CEO Arun Misra, Hindustan Zinc CEO Amarendu Prakash, senior company officials, Anybody Can Run founder Dr Manoj Soni and other dignitaries.
Hindustan Zinc CEO Amarendu Prakash said achieving this milestone in just three editions was a matter of pride. He said the participation of more than 9,700 runners in Udaipur was evidence of the event’s growing popularity. He added that the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon brings together sport, Udaipur’s beauty and the collective energy of its people, with the aim of making it one of the country’s most preferred marathons and taking the identity of Zinc City to the global level.
The marathon also carried a message encouraging citizens to vote ahead of the upcoming Rajasthan municipal elections. Participants were encouraged to take active part in the democratic process.
A large number of Udaipur residents gathered in the morning to cheer the runners. Held amid views of Fatehsagar Lake and the Aravalli ranges, the event connected fitness with social responsibility through the ‘Run for Zero Hunger’ campaign.
The marathon also celebrated Udaipur’s identity as a Zinc City and its thousands of years of zinc heritage. Hindustan Zinc is taking this heritage forward globally. The growing scale of the marathon is also contributing to Udaipur’s development as a sports tourism destination, with visiting runners, their families and fitness groups supporting the local hotel, tourism and business sectors.
Winners in 21.097-km and 10-km Categories
In the 21.097-km men’s category, Mukesh Kumar secured first place with a timing of 1 hour, 8 minutes and 47 seconds. In the women’s category, Pooja won after completing the race in 1 hour, 26 minutes and 9 seconds.
In the 10-km men’s category, Tehendar finished first with a timing of 32 minutes and 1 second, while Kumari Paru won the women’s category with a timing of 36 minutes and 49 seconds.
Every participant who completed the marathon received a special finisher medal made from 99.99 per cent pure zinc by Hindustan Zinc. The medal symbolises strength, achievement and determination while also reflecting Udaipur’s zinc heritage.
Running communities from cities including Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gurugram participated in the event. Participants from the US, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Indonesia and Kenya also gave the marathon an international character.
Certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and listed on the global marathon calendar, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon set a new benchmark in its third edition. Record participation, strong community engagement and the message combining fitness with social purpose have established it among Udaipur’s major sporting events.
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