News Hungama:
Kolkata, September 5, 2025: Sportiz today unveiled the 10th edition of the JBG Kolkata Marathon at an exclusive launch event hosted at The Lalit Great Eastern, Kolkata. Registrations across all categories are now open. What began as a modest trail run has today evolved into one of Kolkata’s premier running festivals, marking a decade of endurance, unity, and community spirit. Embodying the ethos of “Cholo Dourai”, the 2025 edition makes a historic shift to Red Road, Maidan, offering participants a world-class running experience against the city’s most iconic backdrop.
Fitness icon Milind Soman and his wife Ankita Konwar will continue as brand ambassadors for the event. Their presence has been an enduring source of inspiration for countless citizens to embrace fitness as a way of life. Over the years, they have played a pivotal role in advancing wellness and encouraging community participation in physical activities.
As part of its philanthropic mission, the marathon will raise funds to support the Indian Para Athletes representing the nation at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi (Sept 27 – Oct 5, 2025). On 30th November, Kolkata will run not just for health and celebration — but for its Para Athletes.
Click here to register: www.jbgkolkatamarathon.com
A Landmark 10th Edition
To commemorate its milestone edition, the JBG Kolkata Marathon 2025 introduces the 21.1K Half Marathon, joining the popular Elite 10K, Open 10K, 5K Cosplay Run, and Special Heroes categories. With over 15,000 participants expected, this will be the largest edition yet, proudly title-sponsored by Jai Balaji Group and curated by Sportiz.
Race Categories:
Elite 10K – Invitation/qualification-based professional race
Half Marathon (21.1K) – Open category for runners aged 18+
Open 10K – Timed race for amateur runners aged 13+
5K – Feels Like Joy Run (JBG Endura 101) – Non-timed, fun run for 13+
Special Heroes 3K – Non-timed event for individuals with disabilities (with companion support)
Cosplay Run – Fun run with participants dressed as their favorite characters
Event website: www.jbgkolkatamarathon.com
Launch Event Highlights
The launch event witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries:
Mr. Aditya Jajodia, MD & Chairman, Jai Balaji Group
Mr. Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
Mr. Rahul Swami, CEO, PCI
Mr. Kusum Kumar Dwivedi, Honorary General Secretary, Kolkata Police Athletic Club & Chief Mentor, JBG Kolkata Marathon
Dr. Sujay Deb Barman, COO, IRIS Multispeciality Hospital & Medical Director, JBG Kolkata Marathon
Several celebrated para-athletes were also honored at the occasion, including:
Rudransh Khandelwal – Paris Paralympian, Asian Para Games Double Silver Medallist, 4x World Record Holder
Suchitra Parida – International Medallist & National Record Holder, Women’s T-55 Javelin
Shreyansh Trivedi – Asian Para Games Medallist & National Record Holder
Rakesh Bhatt – Asian Para Games participant, International Grand Prix Medallist
Mariyappan Thangavelu – 3-time Paralympic Medallist (High Jump)
Voices from the Launch
Mr. Nishant Maheshwari, CEO & Founder, Sportiz, said: “From a humble trail run to a marquee sporting festival, the JBG Kolkata Marathon’s journey mirrors the resilience of this city. This 10th edition introduces a new route through Red Road and a brand-new Half Marathon category. With over 15,000 participants expected, this will be our most inclusive and memorable edition yet. We are grateful for the continued support of our title sponsor, Jai Balaji Group, and deeply proud to dedicate this milestone to India’s Para Athletes.”
Mr. Gaurav Jajodia, Director, Jai Balaji Group, added: “At Jai Balaji Group, we are proud to support the JBG Kolkata Marathon on its 10th anniversary. This event embodies the spirit of the Fit India Movement, proving that fitness is for everyone — not just athletes. Marathons go beyond running: they build resilience, improve mental health, and unite communities. We believe this spirit is what will truly transform our nation.”
Mr. Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India said, “We are delighted to partner with Jai Balaji Group for their prestigious JBG Kolkata Marathon. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of promoting inclusivity, resilience, and the true spirit of sports. इस तरह की पहल न केवल प्रतिभागियों को प्रेरित करती हैं, बल्कि भारत में पैरालंपिक खेलों के लिए जागरूकता और समर्थन भी बढ़ाती हैं। We look forward to working together with Jai Balaji Group and Sportiz to foster a healthier and more inclusive sporting culture across India.”
About Sportiz:
Sportiz is a Kolkata-based sports event management and consulting firm, specializing in marathons, cyclothons, and corporate sporting events. Known for precision planning, innovative execution, and a deep community focus, Sportiz has successfully curated marquee events like the JBG Kolkata World 10K, JBG Durgapur 10K, JBG Gorkha 10K, and the Coal India Guwahati Half Marathon.
