Chandigarh International Marathon 2026: A Historic First for the City Beautiful
On a vibrant morning in the heart of Chandigarh, history was made as the city hosted its very first international marathon. The 1st Chandigarh International Marathon 2026 brought together nearly 3,500 runners from across India and around the globe, marking a landmark moment in the city’s sporting journey.
Organized by the Sports Department of the Chandigarh Administration, the event transformed the “City Beautiful” into a celebration of endurance, unity, and athletic excellence.
A Grand Flag-Off at Chandigarh Club
The marathon was ceremonially flagged off by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria at Chandigarh Club.
In a symbolic gesture of leadership and commitment to sportsmanship, the Governor was presented with the official Marathon T-Shirt bearing T-Shirt No. 1 by officials of the Sports Department. Adding to the enthusiasm, he also participated in the 5 km run, inspiring runners and spectators alike.
Participation That Crossed Borders
The marathon featured four competitive categories:
- 42 km (Full Marathon) – 323 participants
- 21 km (Half Marathon) – 740 participants
- 10 km Run – 1,270 participants
- 5 km Run – 1,168 participants
The event truly lived up to its “international” status, with 38 runners from eight countries and 21 participants with disabilities, underscoring the marathon’s inclusive and global spirit.
Big Wins and Bigger Rewards
The prize money reflected the scale and ambition of the event:
🏆 Full Marathon (42 KM) – Overall (Men & Women)
- 1st – ₹7,00,000
- 2nd – ₹5,00,000
- 3rd – ₹3,00,000
🏆 Half Marathon (21 KM) – Overall (Men & Women)
- 1st – ₹4,00,000
- 2nd – ₹3,00,000
- 3rd – ₹1,50,000
🏆 10 KM Run – Overall (Men & Women)
- 1st – ₹2,00,000
- 2nd – ₹1,50,000
- 3rd – ₹1,00,000
Provisional Results: International Athletes Shine
As announced by Sports Timing Solutions, the results showcased thrilling finishes and razor-thin margins.
Full Marathon (42 KM)
Women
- Meskerem Tesfaye Fikadu (02:31:14) – Ethiopia
- Ruth Chelangat Wakabu (02:31:15) – Kenya
- Rita Jelagat (02:33:57) – Kenya
Men
- Olbana Negasa Yadate (02:17:41) – Ethiopia
- Aggrey Kiprotich Rono (02:17:41) – Kenya
- Sylas Chebii (02:17:42) – Ethiopia
Notably, the men’s race saw an electrifying finish, with the top three separated by just one second.
Half Marathon (21 KM)
Women
- Tsehay Desalegn (01:14:38) – Ethiopia
- Iveen Chepkemoi (01:15:29) – Kenya
- Munni Devi (01:15:42) – India
Men
- Harmanjot Singh (01:02:04) – India
- Panchanan Bera (01:02:09) – Kenya
- Kemboi Kevin Kiprono (01:02:14) – Kenya
10 KM Run
Women
- Soniya (00:34:35) – India
- Senayit Ayele (00:34:38) – Kenya
- Anjali (00:38:46) – India
Men
- Sahil Kapoor – India
- Gaurav Kasana – India
- Sawan – India
A Celebration of Fitness and Unity
Following the races, the Administrator graced the prize distribution ceremony and lauded the Sports Department and all stakeholders for the seamless execution of the mega event. He emphasized the importance of promoting fitness, discipline, unity, and healthy living among citizens.
Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Member of Rajya Sabha Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu, Shri Sanjay Tandon, Home Secretary Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Director General of Police Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, Sports Secretary Ms. Prerna Puri, Deputy Commissioner Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, Director Sports Shri Sorabh Kumar Arora, Chief Engineer Shri C.B. Ojha, Olympian Gurjant Singh (PCS), and other senior officials.
A New Chapter for Chandigarh
The successful hosting of the first Chandigarh International Marathon has firmly placed the city on India’s sporting map. Beyond medals and prize money, the event sent a powerful message — that Chandigarh is ready to embrace global sporting standards while nurturing a culture of health and inclusivity.
With such an inspiring debut, the marathon is poised to become an annual highlight in the region’s sporting calendar — bigger, stronger, and more global with each passing year.
CitiTimes 