SBI Patna Marathon 2026 Unites Thousands for a Drug-Free Bihar
In a powerful display of community spirit and health advocacy, over 10,000 people participated in the SBI Patna Marathon 2026, themed "Run for drug-free Bihar," on Sunday. Organized by the prohibition, excise and registration department, the event aimed to combat substance abuse and promote a healthier society through widespread public engagement.
Event Launch and Celebrity Presence
The marathon was inaugurated by education minister Sunil Kumar, chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, and renowned badminton player PV Sindhu, along with other senior officials. Sindhu emphasized the importance of fitness for everyone, stating, "We all know how important fitness is; you have to stay healthy and fit, irrespective of whether you are a player or not." Her presence added star power to the cause, inspiring participants to strive for wellness.
Route and Logistics
Starting at 3:30 AM from gate number one of Gandhi Maidan, the marathon route wound through JP Ganga Path and Atal Path before circling back to the starting point. To ensure smooth operations, the district administration deployed magistrates and police forces, while medical camps were strategically set up along the course. Emergency services were on standby at major hospitals including PMCH, NMCH, IGIC, and IGIMS, with mobile ambulances patrolling the route to address any health concerns.
Race Categories and Winners
The event featured multiple distance categories, each attracting competitive runners. A zumba session kicked off the day, preparing participants for the challenges ahead.
- Full Marathon (42.2 km): Sadem Dese Husen from Ethiopia claimed first place, followed by Tebeje Kineto Washe and Isaiah Ndungu Gichohi.
- Half-Marathon Elite Men (21.2 km): Mukesh Bhambhu secured the top spot, with Nafsena Ejeta and John Muinde taking second and third, respectively.
- Women's Half-Marathon: Tamasi Singh finished first, trailed by Akanksha Singh and Aberu Gemechu.
- 10-km Men's Category: Pankaj Yadav, Uttam Kumar, and Sandeep Yadav occupied the top three positions.
- 10-km Women's Category: Yashi Sachan, Sneha Singh, and Shivani Kumari emerged as the winners.
Organizational Support and Impact
Employees from the State Bank of India (SBI) and the excise department played a crucial role in managing logistics, ensuring the event ran seamlessly. The marathon's primary goal was to raise awareness against substance abuse, fostering a drug-free Bihar and encouraging public participation in building a healthy, vibrant society. By bringing together thousands of residents, the initiative highlighted the collective effort needed to address social issues and promote physical well-being.
