The Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, on 3 October 2026 unveiled its vision for the Puri Coastal Marathon 2026 at an event attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in Bhubaneswar. The marathon, scheduled for 13 December 2026 in Puri, carries a total prize purse of ₹1 crore and is billed as India's only marathon combining sand and road running.

What Makes This Marathon Unique

The Puri Coastal Marathon is designed to blend competitive running with tourism, drawing participants from across India and internationally to experience Odisha's coastline, cultural heritage, and spiritual landmarks. Organisers envision the event as an annual platform where sports and tourism reinforce each other, encouraging healthier lifestyles while showcasing the state's natural beauty.

The marathon's creative identity was formally launched at the event, with a master video, a design story for the official medal and jersey, and a special athletes' photo session. The visual identity rollout marks a significant milestone in the lead-up to December 13.

What the Government Said

Chief Minister Majhi framed the marathon as part of a broader commitment to sports-led development. 'Odisha has always believed in the power of sports to inspire, unite and transform lives. Through initiatives such as the Puri Coastal Marathon, we are taking our commitment to fitness, healthy living and sporting excellence to a wider platform. We want Odisha to emerge as a leading destination for sports alongside its rich tourism and cultural identity,' he said.

Deputy CM Parida extended an open invitation to runners nationwide and abroad. 'The OMC Puri Coastal Marathon is not just a marathon; it is an initiative to encourage fitness, healthy living and greater participation in sports. Puri, with its beautiful coastline and rich cultural heritage, provides a wonderful platform to bring sports and tourism together. I invite runners from across India and beyond to come to Puri and experience the spirit of Odisha through sports,' she said.

Kapil Dev and the Sporting Icons at the Launch

Padma Bhushan awardee and PGTI chief Kapil Dev, captain of India's first ODI World Cup-winning team, was a key presence at the launch, lending the event significant symbolic weight. 'I want to thank the Odisha government for their support in hockey. I want to thank especially the initiative of marathon. Marathon is very important. Running is important for a sports person. I am sure in the future, apart from tourism, Odisha will be known for sports,' Dev said.

The event also felicitated two notable athletes: Baranica Elangovan, who won India's first-ever Asian Games medal in pole vault — a bronze at the 2026 edition — and Animesh Kujur, the current holder of the Indian national record in the 200-metre sprint. Their recognition underscored the state's intent to celebrate emerging athletic talent.

Building Momentum: The Promo Run and Community Outreach

The launch follows a statewide Promo Run held on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2026, which drew participants from across Odisha to promote fitness and raise awareness about the marathon. The exercise was part of the state's wider push to position Puri as a destination for major sporting events and to build grassroots participation in running culture.

What Happens Next

With the visual identity launched and national sporting achievers felicitated, the countdown to 13 December 2026 is firmly underway. Organisers are expected to open registrations and release route details in the weeks ahead. The marathon represents Odisha's most high-profile step yet in combining its established tourism brand with competitive sport at a national and international scale.