The golden sands of Puri’s Blue Flag Beach came alive as Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida officially launched the Puri Coastal Marathon. This ambitious event promises to redefine the coastal town’s identity, merging athletic prowess with tourism potential.
Speaking at the inauguration, Parida noted the evolution of Puri’s beaches from quiet retreats to venues for grand spectacles. Drawing parallels with urban marathons in major cities, she envisioned Puri emerging as a key destination on the national running calendar.
Set to become an annual fixture on December 2, the marathon will showcase local athletes and invite international participants, significantly boosting visitor numbers. Educational institutions’ involvement ensures broad participation, igniting passion for fitness among the younger generation.
Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri recipient Sudarshan Pattnaik stole the show by sculpting the event logo from beach sand. ‘It’s an honor to contribute through my art,’ he remarked, praising the collaborative efforts of tourism authorities.
Crowds of runners, residents, and dignitaries filled the air with excitement. As the starting point in the divine land of Jagannath, this marathon is set to propel Puri onto the world stage, promising economic growth and enhanced global recognition through sports and cultural synergy.
