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Inaugural edition of Rourkela Half Marathon ends with resounding success

Newsmantra — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:00:22 +0000

More than 5000 runners from across India take part in the AIMS certified mega event organised to mark SAIL Foundation Day

The inaugural edition of Rourkela Half Marathon organised by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) on 24^th January, 2026 on the occasion of SAIL Foundation Day was a resounding success. More than 5000 runners including 1251 national level runners from other states took part in the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certified mega event that placed the steel city Rourkela on the global running map. Mr. Jual Oram, Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Government of India, Mr. Sarada Prasad Nayak, Hon’ble MLA, Rourkela, Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge (DIC), RSP, Mr. Atanu Bhowmick, former DIC, RSP, Mr. Brijesh Rai, IPS, DIG, Western Range, Mr. Ratan Kumar, DIG, CISF, Mr. Nitesh Wadhwani, IPS, SP, Rourkela, Ms. Dheenah Dastagir, IAS, ADM, Rourkela, Prof Amiya Kumar Rath, Vice Chancellor, BPUT, Prof. Uma Maheswar Rao, Director, NIT, all the executive directors of RSP, members of Governing body of Deepika Mahila Sanghati, representatives of Trade Unions and Executive Association, eminent sports persons were present in the flag off ceremony.

The marathon also witnessed the presence of sporting legends Arjun awardee Sunil Patra, Arjun awardee Romen Ghosh, International Marathon winner Dr. Sunita Godara, Arjun awardee Rachitra Mistry, Rourkela’s very own Hockey star Olympian & Arjuna Awardee Birendra Lakra.

The mega event kicked off with the flagging off of the 21.1 km Men’s category, followed by successive flag-offs of events for men and women in the 21.1 km, 10 km and 5 km runs across different age groups, along with the 2 km run for specially-abled participants. The meticulously planned event schedule ensured smooth conduct of all races.

The Ring Road of Rourkela presented a spectacular setting for the marathon, with runners passing through stretches surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms of bougainvillaea lining the medians of the Ring Road. The scenic route not only offered a refreshing and motivating experience to participants but also highlighted the city’s harmonious blend of urban development and natural beauty, drawing appreciation from runners and spectators alike. Fun Centres were set up along the marathon route, where runners were enthusiastically cheered by cheerleaders and children, adding vibrancy and motivation throughout the course. Elaborate arrangements, including well-placed hydration points, and Medical help points were made along the route to ensure the comfort, safety and optimal performance of the participants.

Mr. Sarada Prasad Nayak, Mr. Alok Verma, along with the executive directors of RSP presented trophies and cash awards to the winners of different categories. A total prize money of Rs. 7,70,800/- was presented to the winners in different categories of the marathon.

Speaking on the occasion, the DIC said that the event marked a historic milestone for Rourkela. Emphasising the importance of nurturing sporting talent from the region, he highlighted that the marathon featured the highest prize money for participants from the peripheral areas. It is worth mentioning here that to ensure maximum participation from youngsters of CSR villages, some of them were brought from the previous night and kept at the stadium and provided all the facilities while rest of them were brought in busses for the event.

Earlier, the participants were warmed up to lively Zumba tunes guided by Dr. Godara and Ms. Anupriya Sihna ahead of the race. The venue buzzed with energy as live music by Team ‘Ninaad’, the official music band of RSP, added to the festive atmosphere.

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Run Fever Rises as Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 Nears

Newsmantra — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:21:04 +0000

– Official Bibs and T-shirt distribution commences

With the inaugural edition of the Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 just 3 days away, run fever has gripped the steel city. The distribution of the official bibs and T-shirts for the mega sporting event commenced on 20^th January, 2026. Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR) presented the bibs along with the kits to the participants in the presence of Mr. Manas Ranjan Rath, CGM (HR), Mr. B K Jojo, CGM (TE & Horticulture), Mr. T G Kanekar, CGM (TS&CSR), and Mr. Shekhar Narayan, CGM (Sinter).

It is noteworthy that elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the Rourkela Half Marathon that is being organized to boost the ‘Fit India’ movement. Banners displaying detailed route charts have been installed at strategic locations to inform commuters about road closures and alternate traffic routes.

It is worth mentioning here that the mega sporting event has received an overwhelming response from running enthusiasts from across the country, with more than 5,800 participants registering well before the final day of registration, thereby leading to the closure of the registration process.

Out of the total registrations, over 1000 runners have signed up for the flagship 21.1 km Half Marathon category, which is considered an outstanding achievement for a first-time event of this scale. Besides more than 2000 runners from peripheral villages of Rourkela have also registered for the Marathon. The strong turnout across all categories underscores the widespread appeal of the marathon among professional athletes, amateur runners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Adding to the excitement, the Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 will witness the presence of renowned sporting personalities, including Arjun awardee Minati Mohapatra, Arjun awardee Sunil Patra, Arjun awardee Romen Ghosh, International Marathon winner Dr. Sunita Godara, Star athlete Rachitra Mistry, Rourkela’s very own Hockey star Birendra Lakra, and several other eminent sportspersons, to inspire the participants.

It is worth mentioning here that there will be 4 categories in the marathon for both men and women viz. 21.1 KM, 10 KM, 5 KM and 2 KM (for Specially-abled persons). A total prize money of Rs. 7,70,800/- has been earmarked for winners across all categories. In addition, special awards are there for rural participants and school students. Each runner completing the marathon in the assigned time will receive a medal and a digital certificate.

The Rourkela Half Marathon–2026 aims to promote fitness, endurance and a healthy lifestyle while positioning Rourkela as an emerging hub for major sporting events. With record registrations and enthusiastic public participation, the event is poised to become a landmark annual sporting fixture in the region.

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Steel City Star Runner Sumit Singh etches name in the Guinness Book of World Records

Newsmantra — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:55:50 +0000

Sumit Singh, the celebrated runner from Steel City Rourkela, has brought laurels to the state by etching his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Sumit set the new world record by running continuously on a manual treadmill for 48 hours, covering an extraordinary distance of 201.5 km. Supported by SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), Sumit launched his grueling challenge at the Civic Centre in Rourkela at 6:00 PM on 13^th December, 2025. The feat allowed for a 5-minute break every hour, testing his limits of stamina and resolve. Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), RSP, flagged off the event, offering encouragement for this monumental effort. As RSP’s brand ambassador for the upcoming mega Half Marathon on January 24, 2025, Singh’s record-breaking run also aimed to raise awareness about healthy living and mental well-being.

Earlier, Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge (DIC), RSP had met the ace runner success at his office during his courtesy visit on 4^th December 2025 Appreciating the runner’s initiative, the DIC has wished for his success.

Sumit triumphantly completed the 48-hour run at 6:00 PM on 15^th December, 2025, drawing cheers from a distinguished gathering. Mr. Sarada Prasad Nayak, Hon’ble MLA, Rourkela, Mrs. Pravati Misra; Dr. (Mrs) Pratigna Palai, Mrs. Rita Rani, and Mrs. Nabanita PalChowdhury, all Vice Presidents of Deepika Mahila Sanghati along with senior RSP officers and sports enthusiasts were present on the occasion. The dignitaries showered praise on the athlete for his world-record accomplishment and extended best wishes for his future endeavors.

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