Hundreds of runners laced up at RTO Ground, Chandrasekharpur, for the 7th Nisum Bhubaneswar Marathon on March 1, organized by Kalinga Runners Trust. This annual flagship event advanced the Trust's mission to build an inclusive running culture, drawing participants from beginners to elite athletes across Odisha and beyond.
A Mission for an Active Odisha
The marathon is the flagship initiative of the Kalinga Runners Trust, a non-profit organization established by fitness advocates. Under the leadership of President Ms. Swati Mohanty and Secretary Mr. Dipak Mishra, the Trust has worked to move beyond simple sporting events. Their vision is to build an inclusive running culture that encourages discipline and resilience across all age groups. This year's marathon served as a clear reflection of that mission, emphasizing health as a sustainable way of life for the people of Odisha.
To ensure the event remained accessible to everyone, the marathon featured three distinct categories. All races were flagged off at 6:00 AM, following a 5:30 AM reporting time that saw the grounds buzzing with early-morning energy.
Timed Runs:The 21 KM and 10 KM categories provided a structured environment for competitive runners to test their endurance and track their performance.
Community Engagement:The 5 KM Fun Run encouraged families and beginners to join the movement, focusing on participation rather than pace.
Impact and Leadership
The success of the 7th edition highlights the growing impact of the Trust’s efforts. By organizing structured community runs and awareness programs, the governing body including Assistant Secretary Mr. Ranjit Sahoo and Treasurer Mr. Ayushkant Mohanty has helped thousands of individuals adopt running as a regular practice. The marathon has now evolved into a key platform for fostering social bonding and personal transformation within the local ecosystem.
Coordination and Technology
An event of this scale requires precise management behind the scenes. iFinish collaborated as the registration partner, providing the digital infrastructure needed to manage the high volume of participants efficiently. This partnership ensured that the sign-up process was smooth and organized, allowing the Kalinga Runners Trust to focus on the experience and safety of the athletes on the course.
As the event concluded at the Chandrasekharpur grounds, it was clear that the Nisum Bhubaneswar Marathon has become the symbol of a city in motion. Through the continued dedication of the Kalinga Runners Trust and its partners, Bhubaneswar is steadily transforming into a hub for fitness and a vibrant, health-conscious community.
