The Jai Balaji Group Durgapur Marathon 2026 concluded with its highest-ever footfall on Sunday, January 11. Though the morning began with a chilly breeze, clear skies and sunshine soon followed, making the fourth edition of the run a grand success. The half-marathon (21K), introduced for the first time, received an encouraging response.
Alongside the 21K, the familiar 10K, 5K, Saree Run (2K), and Kids Run drew the largest participation. With nearly 3,500 runners, it marked the highest turnout for any run event in Durgapur in the last three years. The momentum mirrors the JBG Kolkata Marathon held a few months earlier, which, in its 10th edition, recorded its highest participation of nearly 11,000 runners.
Such runs unite people, inspire communities, and promote healthier lifestyles. In a world where long work hours and unhealthy eating habits have become routine, events like the JBG Kolkata and Durgapur Marathons reflect a growing running culture—one that motivates people to choose movement, discipline, and well-being.
At 5:30 a.m., in the heart of winter before sunrise, Gandhi Maidan in Durgapur was already buzzing with energy. Participants warmed up to Zumba tunes, dancing away the cold in preparation for the run ahead. Runners of all ages graced the event, each carrying a story that could inspire many more to take part in future editions.
One such story belonged to 52-year-old Mrs. Sudipta Sen, who travelled from Dakshineswar, Kolkata, to participate in the half-marathon. A regular road runner since 2018, she tries to take part in as many races as possible. An ardent follower of PT Usha, she was involved in athletics in her younger days, though road running came into her life only in the last eight years.
The 4th edition of the Jai Balaji Group Durgapur Marathon was a resounding success, with the half marathon (21K) making its debut.
Unique formats like the Saree Run & the Kids Run gave the event its special, community-driven spirit.
Listen in to these inspiring stories that… pic.twitter.com/cb58ggNlKH
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) January 11, 2026
How did it begin? She explained, “In 2015, I walked barefoot from Dakshineswar to Tarakeswar.” For those unfamiliar with the ritual, thousands of pilgrims walk barefoot—over 52 kilometres—from Dakshineswar carrying Ganga water to worship Lord Shiva at Tarakeswar, and the journey must be completed for three consecutive years during the Shravan month.
“That made me wonder, if I can do it barefoot, then why not a proper Marathon?” she added. Since then, she has participated in almost every half-marathon she could and dreams of joining international walks, if funds permit.
Another inspiring presence was Preoshi Shil Maity, who became a mother just two months ago after a caesarean delivery. She participated in the 2K Saree Run and said, “I had registered last year as well, but health didn’t permit it. I had to do it this year, and I had full support from my family and the in-laws.”
The Roy family added another heart-warming chapter. Every woman in the household—the child, her mother, aunt, and grandmother—took part in the Saree Run together, turning the event into a celebration of generations.
It is these unique stories that make a run truly special—stories that resonate far beyond the finish line and inspire countless others to lace up and step out.
While dignitaries and corporate partners remain the pillars of such events, providing financial and administrative support, it is the runners—with their resilience, passion, and deeply personal journeys—alongside professional athletes chasing better timings, who truly make the marathon grand and memorable.
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