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15,000 Runners Race at Hirakud Dam in International Half Marathon

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj jointly flagged off the Hirakud International Half Marathon in Sambalpur. The event, organized by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited under the Fit India campaign, saw participation from around 15,000 elite and amateur runners, including international athletes. Races were held across multiple categories, from a 21 km half-marathon to a family-friendly 1.5 km fun run, all set against the scenic backdrop of the historic Hirakud Dam. The ministers emphasized the event's role in promoting fitness at the community, state, and national levels.

Key Points: Hirakud International Half Marathon Flagged Off by Ministers

  • 15,000 runners participated
  • Held at iconic Hirakud Dam
  • Part of national Fit India campaign
  • Featured multiple race categories
2 min read

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan flags off Hirakud International Half Marathon at iconic Hirakud Dam

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan flags off Hirakud International Half Marathon at Asia's largest earthen dam, featuring 15,000 runners.

"For a Fit India and a Fit Odisha, a Fit Sambalpur is essential - Suryabanshi Suraj"

Sambalpur, February 15

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj flagged off the Hirakud International Half Marathon in Sambalpur on Sunday, an initiative organised by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited under the Fit India campaign in collaboration with the Sambalpur District Administration under the Fit India campaign.

Around 15,000 elite and amateur runners from across India, including foreigners from several other countries, participated in the marathon.

The marathon featured multiple race categories to encourage broad participation, including the flagship 21 km half-marathon, a 10 km competitive run, a 5 km run, and a 1.5 km fun run designed especially for families and children.

The diverse race formats aimed to attract a wide demographic, from professional international athletes to local fitness enthusiasts.

The marathon was held at the iconic Hirakud Dam, renowned as the largest earthen dam in Asia, providing a scenic and historic backdrop for the event.

Earlier, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said, "The Hirakud International Half Marathon is being organised. Its date was announced, and its logo was unveiled today in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan... For a Fit India and a Fit Odisha, a Fit Sambalpur is essential... This time, the Hirakud Half Marathon is being held at the international level. It will be held on the 15th of next month. We are expecting 5000 participants."

The Hirakud International Half Marathon 2026 is a premier running event celebrating fitness and endurance. This international-standard race welcomes runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes.

Participating in this event offers a premium racing experience defined by professional management and precision. Runners can rely on accurate performance tracking through RFID-integrated BIBs, ensuring every second of their effort is recorded. Beyond logistics, participants receive high-quality event merchandise and the unique opportunity to compete against the breathtaking, iconic backdrop of the Hirakud landscape. More than just a competition, the event is a vibrant platform to celebrate personal endurance, physical wellness, and community spirit.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see Fit India gaining momentum with such large-scale events. 15,000 participants is no small number! Hope this inspires youth across small towns to take up running. The family fun run is a particularly nice touch.
A
Aman W
While the initiative is good, I hope the focus remains on sports and fitness infrastructure in the long term, not just one-off marathons. Our cities need more parks and tracks that are accessible to the common public every day, not just during events.
S
Sarah B
The international participation is impressive. Running at an iconic site like Asia's largest earthen dam must be an incredible experience. Hope the event boosts tourism in Sambalpur as well. Wishing all the runners the best!
V
Vikram M
As someone from Odisha, it fills my heart with joy to see our state hosting such events. Hirakud is an engineering marvel and a perfect venue. Jai Jagannath! Hope to participate next year. 🏃‍♂️
K
Kavya N
The article mentions RFID BIBs and professional management. This is crucial for serious runners who want accurate timing. Shows the event is being organized to global standards. Well done MCL and the district administration!

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