The 10th edition of the Andaman Marathon–2026, organised by the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ANCCI) in association with the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, was conducted on February 8, drawing participation from both island residents and mainland runners.
The marathon was flagged off from the National Memorial Cellular Jail by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral D. K. Joshi, who attended the event as chief guest. Participants competed across multiple race categories, demonstrating competitive spirit and athletic enthusiasm while contesting for a total prize purse of Rs 10,05,000, along with additional special cash prizes.
Addressing participants and organisers, the Lieutenant Governor commended ANCCI and the sponsors for hosting the event and acknowledged actor Rahul Bose for his continued association and participation. He also congratulated runners and emphasised the importance of sustained engagement in sports and fitness activities.
Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar noted the strong turnout of both islanders and mainland participants. He said the scale of participation reflected growing interest in fitness activities and could encourage wider adoption of healthier lifestyles through sporting initiatives.
Actors Nikita Dutta and Rahul Bose also interacted with participants during the event, offering words of encouragement to runners. Their presence added visibility to the marathon, which has evolved into a recurring sporting event in the islands’ annual calendar.
The race concluded at Netaji Stadium, where the prize distribution ceremony was conducted. The Chief Secretary, along with other officials and dignitaries, felicitated winners and runners-up across different race categories.
The Andaman Marathon has been organised periodically by ANCCI with support from the administration, aiming to promote physical fitness and community participation through organised sporting activities. The 2026 edition continued this tradition with a structured race format and financial incentives designed to encourage wider participation.
The event also drew attention to the historic setting of the Cellular Jail, which served as the starting point for the marathon. The location added symbolic significance to the event while accommodating the logistical requirements for flagging off participants.
Officials indicated that participation from both local residents and mainland runners reflects increasing outreach of such sporting events beyond the islands. The presence of public figures and administrative officials underscored institutional backing for fitness-oriented initiatives in the region.
The marathon concluded without any reported disruptions, with organisers proceeding with scheduled races and concluding ceremonies as planned. The 10th edition thus marked another instalment in the ongoing series of organised sporting events in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, combining competitive athletics with public engagement and institutional support.
