Adding a thrill to Kolkata’s fitness scene, the organizers of the JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026 unveiled the long-awaited official Finisher Medal for its landmark 11th edition at the renowned Kolkata Police Athletic Club. Set for November 29, 2026, this major event is Eastern India’s only World Athletics Labelled Full Marathon and is expected to draw over 15,000 runners from across the nation and abroad.

By 5:30 am, the Maidan buzzed with activity as runners, seasoned pacers, and running club leaders assembled at the location. Enthusiasm surged as marathon legend and ‘ Face of JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026’, Mr. Milind Soman, arrived with seasoned endurance athlete and ‘ Mentor of Women Pacers’, Ms. Ankita Konwar. After an operational briefing, participants formed collaborative teams, and the high-energy city Treasure Hunt officially launched.

As teams raced back after hitting thematic checkpoints along the central corridor, the event shifted into an intense Jigsaw Puzzle showdown. Racing against the clock, all five teams assembled their respective puzzles simultaneously to unveil five identical replicas of the official JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026 Finisher Medal, an intricately crafted medallion symbolizing athletic endurance and the architectural spirit of Kolkata. The simultaneous reveal prompted enthusiastic cheers throughout the grounds.

A standout moment of the morning was an intensive outdoor mentoring session called In Conversation with the Pacers, led by Ankita Konwar for the group of 50 Women Pacers participating in the marathon. Ankita explored split management, rhythm preservation, mental conditioning, and hydration tactics, equipping the pacers to confidently guide thousands striving for personal achievements on November 29, 2026.

“Revealing this year’s medallion via an interactive team puzzle following a morning run around the Maidan captured the genuine spirit of running camaraderie. Kolkata’s passion is raw and infectious, and holding this medal up today signals that race day is just around the corner”, said Mr. Milind Soman, renowned model, actor, fitness icon, and face of the JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026.

Registrations for the Full Marathon (42.2 KM), Half Marathon, 10 KM, 5 KM, 100 M, Cosplay Run, and Special Heroes Category are open on www.jbgkolkatamarathon.com.

Priyanka Dutta