Puri, Nov 10: Puri, one of India's four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites and home to Lord Jagannath, is set to host the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, India's first-ever road-plus-sand marathon, on December 13, 2026.

The coastal city is preparing to welcome running enthusiasts, elite athletes and fitness aficionados from across the country and beyond, with a total prize purse of Rs 1 crore on offer. With registrations closing on November 14, the event will combine competitive sport, coastal beauty, cultural exploration and community participation.

Runners can choose from four race categories – 42K, 21K, 10K and 5K – catering to seasoned marathoners, competitive athletes, fitness enthusiasts and first-time participants, according to a press release.

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The event has also received support from prominent personalities from the entertainment and sporting worlds. Bollywood actors Ajay Devgn, Rajkummar Rao, Manjari Fadnis, Sharad Malhotra and Archana Singh, along with comedian Kapil Sharma, have extended invitations to people to participate in the marathon.

They are joined by sporting personalities, including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, Olympian Anuradha Biswal, former Indian weightlifter K. Ravi Kumar and para-athlete Suchitra Parida.

Fitness ambassadors Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar have also been promoting the event, encouraging people to embrace fitness and experience the coastal landscape of Puri.

The marathon aims to bring together elite Indian and international runners while providing an opportunity for people across different fitness levels to participate. Organisers are positioning the event as more than a competitive race, with its route combining the sporting experience with Puri's spiritual and natural heritage.

Among the key attractions will be an exclusive 5K beach run, a stretch across the Nuanai River and a route through the coastal landscape surrounding the Blackbuck Sanctuary. Participants will also get an opportunity to explore Puri's art, culture, heritage and lifestyle.

The registration package will include a dry-fit T-shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag with nutritional products and treats, access to Zumba sessions, breakfast, on-course hydration and medical assistance. Participants will also receive access to an event expo, personalised digital timing certificates and complimentary event photographs.

Winners in the respective race categories will receive prizes and other rewards. With a Rs 1 crore prize purse and a road-and-sand racing format, the event is expected to give Odisha's growing sporting and tourism profile a further boost. (with ANI inputs)