Pune: The 38th Pune International Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
The marathon, which has become a prominent annual event, will start at 3:00 AM from Hotel Kalpana near Sanas Ground. With a total of 12,000 participants expected to compete, this year’s event promises to be as grand as ever.
The men’s and women’s full marathon, covering a distance of 42.195 km, will kick off at 3:00 AM, followed by the half-marathon at 3:30 AM, a 10 km race at 6:30 AM, a 5 km race at 7:00 AM, and a wheelchair race covering 3 km at 7:15 AM.
The full marathon route will take runners through some of Pune’s key landmarks, including Sarasbaug, Sinhagad Road, and Nanded City, with the race ending back at Sanas Ground after two loops.
Registrations are open until November 15, 2024, and participants can sign up via the official website. The Pune Municipal Corporation has announced cash prizes totaling ₹35 lakhs for the winners, with special awards for the top three Indian finishers in the full and half-marathons.
International athletes from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mauritius are among the 60 participants already registered, while teams from the Indian Armed Forces, Railways, Police, and Army Sports Institute will also be competing.
The marathon has been meticulously organized, with volunteers, medical teams, and security personnel ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
This year’s theme is "Run for Environmental Sustainability," with initiatives including the recycling of plastic waste and efforts to reduce the marathon's carbon footprint.
Winners will be awarded eco-friendly bamboo medals, and a series of preparatory programs will be broadcast on YouTube to guide participants.