Guwahati is preparing for a major international road-running event as the city gets ready to host its first marathon on February 7, 2027. The event, launched by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, will combine elite competition with mass participation and a wider push for sports tourism.
At A Glance:
- The inaugural Guwahati International Marathon will take place on February 7, 2027, with around 12,000 runners expected.
- The event will offer a Rs 1.25 crore prize purse across full marathon, half marathon and shorter race categories.
- Organisers aim to position Guwahati as an international destination for sport, fitness and sports tourism.
The Guwahati International Marathon was formally launched on Thursday, setting the stage for its inaugural edition on February 7, 2027. The organisers expect about 12,000 runners from India and overseas to participate in five race categories.
The launch took place at a press conference addressed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of former India cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar.
The marathon is being promoted by PMG Sports LLP. Its programme will include a 42.195-km full marathon, a 21.097-km half marathon, a 10-km run, a 5-km run and a 1.5-km run.
Rs 1.25 crore prize purse to raise competitive stakes
The organisers have announced a total prize purse of Rs 1.25 crore. The substantial reward structure is expected to make the event attractive to elite athletes and professional distance runners.
The full marathon will feature around 30 leading male and female distance runners from different parts of the world. India’s leading long-distance athletes are also expected to compete.
The organisers see the combination of international elite participation and a large amateur field as a key feature of the inaugural event.
Sarma links marathon to Guwahati’s sports ambitions
Sarma said the new marathon represented an important opportunity for Assam. He said the event could strengthen Guwahati’s position as a destination for sport, fitness and sports tourism.
Guwahati’s sports calendar just got a major upgrade!
The inaugural edition of Guwahati International Marathon will be held on February 7, 2027 with a total prize pool of ₹1.25cr, making it one of the major marathon events in the country.
Register and be a part of history. pic.twitter.com/XYewVPmZUL
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 10, 2026
The Chief Minister said the marathon would connect participants from different communities and countries. He also highlighted the opportunity to showcase Assam’s culture, natural attractions and hospitality to visitors.
Sarma expressed hope that the event would become a regular annual sporting fixture. He also said it could encourage wider participation in fitness and sports across the state.
The launch included a symbolic presentation involving Gavaskar. The cricket legend handed over Bib No. 1 to Sarma, marking the Chief Minister’s endorsement of the inaugural marathon.
Gavaskar backs Guwahati as global marathon city
Gavaskar said running has the ability to bring together people from different communities, cultures and backgrounds.
He described the timing as appropriate for Guwahati to enter the international marathon circuit. He also backed the organisers’ ambition to develop the event into a major global competition.
According to Gavaskar, the long-term vision is to build the Guwahati International Marathon into an iconic event capable of attracting leading runners from around the world.
Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu has been named the marathon’s brand ambassador. Her association is expected to add further visibility to the event beyond the running community.
Historic Judges Field to anchor marathon route
Judges Field will serve as the start and finish point for the marathon and the other race categories.
The proposed route will take runners towards Gauhati University before crossing the Kumar Bhaskar Varma Setu. The course will then head towards IIT Guwahati before bringing participants back towards Judges Field.
The route will include another crossing of the bridge before runners complete the course.
Course certification has also been given international attention. Australia’s Kim Vivian, a Grade A Certified Road Race Course Measurer of World Athletics, has measured the proposed route.
The race management team includes experienced international and Indian officials. Richard Hunter of the UK will serve as Race Director. Ian Ladbrooke will coordinate international elite athletes.
Former Asian Marathon Champion Sunita Godara will serve as the India Elite Athlete Coordinator.
Registration opens on September 11
Registration for the inaugural edition will begin on September 11. Runners from India and other countries will be eligible to register.
The organisers intend to develop the marathon beyond its debut edition. Their stated goal is to establish it as an annual international sporting event linked to fitness, tourism and community participation.
The event is also expected to provide Guwahati with a platform to strengthen its profile on the international sports map.
With a large participation target, a major prize purse and an international elite field, the inaugural Guwahati International Marathon will seek to establish a strong foundation for future editions. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)