Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon Draws 2,000 Runners, Including International Athletes, Amid Rainy Splendor

“Queen of Satpura” Hosts 7th Edition with Focus on Fitness and Environmental Awareness

Bhopal: The picturesque hill station of Pachmarhi came alive with energy as around 2,000 runners, including seven international athletes, braved light showers to participate in the 7th Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon on Sunday. Organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, district administration, and ‘Adventure and You’ (KA Connect), the event saw participants aged 6 to 70 running across four race categories—42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km—amid lush monsoon scenery.

Adding a unique eco-friendly twist, several runners cycled from cities like Nagpur and Bhopal to promote environmental sustainability. The event not only celebrated athleticism but also highlighted the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh’s adventure tourism offerings.

Tourism Official Hails Marathon as a Showcase of Madhya Pradesh’s Potential

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments, and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, emphasized the event’s broader significance.

“The Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon is not just a sporting event—it reflects the essence of Madhya Pradesh’s natural beauty, adventure tourism, and community involvement,” Shukla said. “Hosting such a marathon in the monsoon at a stunning hill station like Pachmarhi boosts adventure tourism and inspires awareness about health, discipline, and the environment. The strong participation from across the country and international runners highlights Madhya Pradesh’s growing reputation as a hub for experiential tourism.”

Inspiring Stories: From Youngest Runners to Specially-Abled Champions

The marathon stood out for its inclusivity, with participants spanning generations and abilities. Among the most inspiring stories was that of Nidhi, a hearing-impaired athlete who won the 21 km race. Two specially-abled runners—Shrikant Raut (Maharashtra) in the 5 km category and Niranjan Jadhav (Mumbai) in the 21 km race—also drew admiration for their determination.

Race Categories and Scenic Routes

Flagged off from MPT Glen View Hotel, the races unfolded under cloudy skies and light rain, enhancing the scenic charm of Pachmarhi. The 42 km ultra-marathon began at 4:00 AM, while the 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races started at 6:00 AM.

Winners Felicitated Amid Celebrations

All participants received medals, while winners were awarded trophies. Below are the top finishers across categories:

42 KM Category

• Men (18–41): Jitendra Patle (1st), Ankit Sharma (2nd)

• Women (18–41): Rituja Madavi (1st), Nikita Mandloi (2nd)

• Men (41+): Sandeep Rewal (1st), Mayank Awasthi (2nd)

• Women (41+): Asha Singh (1st), Anjali Manoj (2nd)

21 KM Category

• Men (18–31): Mohit Kore (1st), Tejas Banker (2nd)

• Women (18–31): Nikita Sahu (1st), Hina Mistry (2nd)

• Men (31–46): Omprakash Bhalavi (1st), Gopal Kushwaha (2nd)

• Women (31–46): Pooja Bhalavi (1st), Archana Kannamwar (2nd)

• Men (46–61): Santosh Tayade (1st), Manoj Mehar (2nd)

• Women (46–61): Payal Modi (1st), Niti Roy (2nd)

• Men (61+): Vineet Chaurse (1st), Rajesh Dutta (2nd)

(Full results for 10 km and 5 km categories available upon request.)

A Marathon Beyond the Finish Line

The Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon successfully blended sport, nature, and community spirit, reinforcing Madhya Pradesh’s appeal as a premier destination for adventure tourism. With enthusiastic participation from across age groups and abilities, the event underscored the unifying power of running while promoting environmental consciousness.

As the rain-drenched trails of Pachmarhi echoed with cheers, the marathon left an indelible mark—not just as a race, but as a celebration of resilience, inclusivity, and the breathtaking beauty of Satpura’s Queen.

Key Quotes:

1. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board:
   “This marathon isn’t just about running—it’s about experiencing Madhya Pradesh’s natural splendor while promoting health and sustainability.”

2. Nidhi, 21 KM Winner (Hearing-Impaired Athlete):
   “Running has no barriers. Today, Pachmarhi proved that.”

3. Shrikant Raut, Specially-Abled Runner (5 KM):
   “The rain, the hills, the cheers—nothing could stop me. This marathon is for every dreamer.”

4. Event Organizer, KA Connect:
   “Seeing cyclists, seniors, and kids all running together shows how sport can unite communities.”