The 8th edition of the Ahmedabad Marathon, a premier running event, will be flagged off on Sunday by chess grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and athlete-actor Saiyami Kher. Scheduled for November 24, the marathon will commence and conclude at the Sabarmati Riverfront Sports Park.
Participants can compete in various categories, including the full marathon (42.195 km), half marathon (21.097 km), 10 km run, and 5 km run. Accredited by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, the event introduced a revamped course in 2023. This year’s marathon will follow the picturesque route for the second time, passing iconic landmarks such as the Gandhi Ashram, Atal Bridge, and Ellis Bridge. The 2023 edition attracted over 22,000 participants.
As part of the “#Run4OurSoldiers” initiative, the marathon pays tribute to India’s armed forces, with a portion of the proceeds dedicated to their welfare. Last year, the event drew more than 2,500 defence personnel, underscoring the strong bond between the running community and the armed forces.
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Expressing his enthusiasm, Indian chess grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, ranked 12th in the world by the International Chess Federation, highlighted the event’s significance. “I’m excited to be part of the Adani Ahmedabad Marathon. Like in chess, a marathon requires strategy, determination, and the will to push beyond your limits. This event not only promotes fitness but also supports our armed forces, making it even more meaningful,” he said in a statement released by the marathon organizers.
Saiyami Kher, who became the first Indian actor to complete the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Germany in September 2024, also spoke about her association with the marathon. “The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has become one of the most talked-about events on the running calendar, and it’s a great honour to be associated with it,” she said.
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