Over 10,000 Join Odisha-Wide Promo Run Ahead of Puri Coastal Marathon

Bhubaneswar: More than 10,000 people took to the streets across Odisha on World Tourism Day as the state witnessed a synchronised Promo Run across 32 locations to build momentum for the upcoming OMC Puri Coastal Marathon 2026.

Organised by the Department of Tourism, the statewide running initiative brought together participants from districts and municipal corporations, turning the World Tourism Day celebrations into a mass fitness and tourism promotion activity.

The runs were held simultaneously across urban centres and district towns, with runners, local residents, communities and tourism stakeholders participating in the event. The initiative aimed to promote fitness and active lifestyles while drawing attention to Odisha’s tourism potential.

According to the organisers, the Promo Run marked the first time a running activity of this scale was conducted simultaneously across multiple locations in the state. District and corporation-level authorities worked with the Tourism Department and local stakeholders to coordinate the events and facilitate participation.

The statewide run also served as the first major promotional activity for the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon, which is scheduled to be held in Puri on December 13, 2026.

The marathon is being positioned as a sporting and tourism event that will bring runners to Puri while showcasing the city’s cultural heritage, coastline, natural attractions, hospitality and spiritual significance.

The synchronised runs also sought to highlight running as a means of promoting healthier lifestyles while connecting sporting activities with tourism and destination promotion.

With the statewide Promo Run completed, attention now shifts to Puri, where the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon will bring together running, tourism and Odisha’s cultural and natural identity in December.

Those interested in participating in the marathon can register through www.puricoastalmarathon.in.