The stage is set for a vibrant community fitness event as the Directorate of Education & Sports, in collaboration with the Deputy Education Officer, Wimberlygunj, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), prepares to host the fifth edition of the North Bay Road Marathon, also titled ‘Khel Ka Nasha’. Scheduled for November 23 at 6 am, the marathon and the accompanying cycle rally aim to encourage widespread public participation in outdoor sports. The event will be held along the picturesque stretch from Chunnabatta (Ram Mandir) to North Bay and back, offering runners a scenic yet challenging route.
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the marathon is free for all Islanders and open to school students from the Wimberlygunj Educational Zone. The organisers have categorised the runs to ensure broad participation across age groups and genders. The 10 km run has been divided into two categories: one for all Islander men and the other exclusively for school boys of the Wimberlygunj Zone. The 5 km run has similarly been split, with one category open to all Islander women and the other reserved for school girls from the same educational zone. Cash prizes have been announced for the winners in each of the four categories, adding a competitive edge and encouraging higher turnout.
Following the marathon, a Cycle Rally will take place, offering participants another avenue to engage in the morning’s fitness activities. Participants are required to bring their own bicycles, while SAI will distribute T-shirts to all those who join the rally. Registrations for both events will open at the venue from 5 am onwards, allowing early arrivals ample time to complete formalities and prepare for the start.
The North Bay Road Marathon has steadily grown in popularity over the years, emerging as a recurring community tradition that promotes physical activity, outdoor engagement, and a culture of fitness among Islanders. The involvement of school students reflects an ongoing effort by the Directorate of Education & Sports to integrate sporting activities into the daily routines of young learners. For many students, such events serve as a gateway to competitive sports, offering exposure, confidence, and a sense of achievement beyond the classroom.
By collaborating with SAI, the organisers aim to elevate the quality of the event, ensuring safety, proper coordination, and an encouraging environment for both amateur runners and seasoned athletes. The scenic course, from Chunnabatta to North Bay, adds an element of natural beauty, transforming the run into an immersive experience that captures the appeal of the islands’ coastal landscapes.
Community members and students who participate in the cycle rally will contribute to the message of sustainable mobility and active living. Cycling events have increasingly gained traction across the islands as an environmentally conscious alternative to motorised travel, and the rally continues to popularise the idea of fitness combined with eco-friendly values.
With registrations happening on the spot, the organisers anticipate a strong turnout from local runners, fitness enthusiasts, families, and student groups. The distribution of T-shirts by SAI is expected to further encourage participation, adding a sense of unity and enthusiasm to the proceedings.
The event aligns with broader initiatives to foster community participation in sports and to create platforms where Islanders can explore various athletic pursuits without financial barriers. As the islands continue to host an increasing number of public sporting events, the North Bay Road Marathon 5.0 stands out as a flagship effort to nurture local talent, promote health, and strengthen community bonds.
With the date approaching, anticipation continues to build among frequent participants and newcomers alike. The marathon and cycle rally together promise a morning of spirited engagement, scenic movement, and collective celebration of fitness.
