CM Majhi, Kapil Dev Back OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026
CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Kapil Dev back the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, a unique sand and road running event in Odisha with ₹1 crore prize money.
The Odisha government has unveiled a grand vision for the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026, aiming to fuse world-class sports with the state's legendary tourism. Scheduled to take place in Puri on December 13, the event is set to be a unique spectacle, being India's only marathon that combines both sand and road running.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida officially backed the initiative, emphasizing that the marathon is a cornerstone of Odisha's mission to become a premier global destination for sports, alongside its existing reputation for culture and tourism.
A Vision for Fitness and Tourism
Speaking at the launch, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the transformative power of athletics. "Odisha has always believed in the power of sports to inspire, unite and transform lives," he stated. He added that through initiatives like the Puri Coastal Marathon, the state is scaling up its commitment to fitness and sporting excellence to a much wider platform.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida echoed these sentiments, noting that the marathon serves as a bridge between physical health and the state's natural beauty. "Puri, with its beautiful coastline and rich cultural heritage, provides a wonderful platform to bring sports and tourism together," she said, inviting runners from across the globe to experience the spirit of Odisha.
Legendary Support from Kapil Dev
The event gained significant momentum with the presence of Padma Bhushan Kapil Dev, the captain of India's first ODI World Cup-winning team. The cricket legend expressed his appreciation for the state's sporting initiatives, particularly its support for hockey and now this massive marathon project.
"Marathon is very important. Running is important for a sports person," Kapil Dev remarked. He expressed confidence that Odisha would soon be recognized globally for its sporting prowess just as much as its tourism.
Celebrating Athletic Excellence
The occasion also served as a platform to honor India's rising stars in athletics. The government felicitated two standout performers:
- Baranica Elangovan: Winner of India's first-ever Asian Games medal in pole vault, securing bronze at the 2026 edition.
- Animesh Kujur: The current holder of the Indian national record in the 200-metre sprint.
Event Highlights and Prize Pool
The OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026 is not just a race but a massive sporting experience featuring a total prize pool of Rs 1 crore. To build excitement, the organizers showcased a master video detailing the marathon's creative identity, including the official design of the marathon medal and the participant jerseys.
Following a successful statewide Promo Run held on World Tourism Day in September, the state is now gearing up for the main event this December. By combining the spiritual significance of Puri with a high-stakes athletic competition, Odisha aims to strengthen the bond between community participation and global tourism.