Bhubaneswar: The 1st Chandaka Green Marathon was organised on Sunday in Bhubaneswar as part of the celebrations marking the 72nd Wildlife Week, with the objective of promoting wildlife conservation, habitat protection and a healthy, environmentally conscious lifestyle.
The marathon was inaugurated by Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha. Prem Kumar Jha, PCCF (WL) & CWLW, Manoj V. Nair, Member Secretary, Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), along with senior officers, officials, nature enthusiasts and participants, attended the event.
The marathon featured 5-km, 10-km and 21-km categories, providing participants with an opportunity to run amidst the natural surroundings of the Chandaka-Bharatpur forest landscape and Ekamra Kanan park areas. A significant portion of the route passed through forest tracks, making the event a unique nature-based running experience rather than a conventional city-road marathon. The 21-km category consisted of three loops of approximately 7 km each.
The event was held under the theme “Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife”, highlighting the message that the conservation of forests and wildlife habitats is closely linked to human well-being and a sustainable future. Participants were encouraged to “Run for Nature” and “Run for a Wilder Tomorrow”, reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility in protecting Odisha’s rich natural heritage.
Special emphasis was placed on responsible conduct while running through the forest landscape. Participants were advised to remain on designated routes, avoid littering, maintain silence within forest stretches, refrain from disturbing wildlife and vegetation, and follow the instructions of forest officials and race marshals. The initiative sought to demonstrate that sport, appreciation of nature and conservation can go hand in hand.
The marathon witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth, runners, nature enthusiasts and citizens, bringing together people from different walks of life under the common message of connecting habitats, protecting wildlife, promoting conservation and building a greener tomorrow.
The 72nd Wildlife Week aims to create greater public awareness about wildlife and biodiversity conservation and encourage wider participation in protecting the State’s forests, wildlife and natural ecosystems.
