Tag: Goa marathon

Events in Goa

Mathias Panaji Run 2026 to Be Held on March 1 at Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

The Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town will organise the Mathias Panaji Run 2026 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the SAG Sports Complex, Campal, Panaji, with the flag-off scheduled at 6.30 am. Now in its second edition, the run aims to bring together fitness enthusiasts, families and the larger community under the vibrant theme “Live Life in Colour,” inspired by the approaching festival of Holi.

The event will feature a 10 km timed run with winners declared across categories, a 5 km fun run and walk open to participants of all age groups with attractive prizes, and a special 1 km walk involving NAB Goa students and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), reinforcing the message of inclusivity through sport. Cash prizes worth ₹1 lakh will be awarded across categories.

Speaking at the media briefing held in Panaji, Rtn. Gauresh Nayak, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town, emphasised that the Mathias Panaji Run 2026 goes beyond competition. He said that with the theme “Live Life in Colour,” the club wants Goa to celebrate not only colours but also the values of health, unity, inclusivity and joy. He added that the run is about community spirit, ensuring that everyone—irrespective of age or ability—feels valued and included. Nayak further noted that proceeds from the event will support Rotary’s flagship initiatives in education, healthcare, disability support, sanitation and medical aid.

Event Coordinator Ann Sheetal Pai Kane expressed confidence that the run will attract nearly 2,000 participants this year. She explained that organising the event in the heart of Panaji was a conscious decision to encourage greater participation from Ponjékars. She added that the event is designed not only for runners but also for families and friends who wish to come out, cheer and be part of the experience.

Gajanan Karkare, Secretary of the club, urged citizens to participate, stating that the run is an opportunity to focus on good health while also contributing to Rotary’s ongoing social causes that impact lives across Goa. Rtn. Sunil Pai Kane, Project Director of the event, was also present at the briefing.

The Mathias Panaji Run 2026 is title-sponsored by Joe Mathias and Mariola Mathias of the Mathias Group of Companies. The sponsors expressed pride in supporting the initiative, highlighting their commitment to promoting health, wellness and community spirit in Goa, and looking forward to a strong turnout on March 1.

Founded in 1998, the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town functions under Rotary International District 3170 with the motto “Service Above Self.” The club undertakes five flagship initiatives—Saksharta, Sudharta, Sahayata, Swachhata and Sanjeevani—focused on education, healthcare, disability support, sanitation and medical aid. Through the Mathias Panaji Run 2026, the club once again aims to promote a healthy lifestyle while strengthening community bonding through sport.

Registrations are open online at www.panajirun.org.

Sports

Czech Star Petra Pastorová to Lead Record-Breaking 15th SKF Goa River Marathon

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon is set to make history on Sunday, December 14, as Czech marathon legend Petra Pastorová arrives in Goa to lead the international field of runners. The event, taking place at Chicalim, has already created a buzz by registering a record 6,000 runners, making it the largest edition since the marathon began. Even more remarkable is the rising participation of women, who now make up 28 percent of the total runners — a significant milestone for the event and for distance running in Goa.

Petra Pastorová, a six-time national marathon champion from the Czech Republic, is widely regarded as one of the most consistent long-distance athletes in Europe. At 48, she continues to deliver exceptional performances, with a career-best timing of 2:36:44 hours set in 2013. She also clocked an impressive 2:42:45 earlier this year, proving she remains in top competitive form. Known for her endurance, Petra has completed a 50-kilometer run at the 2023 Hyderabad Masters as well as an ultradistance 100-kilometer run at the 2024 Bengaluru Masters. Her participation has drawn widespread attention, with many runners excited to share the course with an athlete of her stature. “This is the first time I have come to Goa and I am really looking forward to running the SKF Goa River Marathon,” she shared, expressing her enthusiasm ahead of race day.

The marathon is also seeing strong international participation, transforming it into one of the most globally diverse sporting events in the state. Among the foreign runners are participants from Russia, Australia, the United States, Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and the Czech Republic. This multination turnout further elevates the profile of the event as runners from different cultures and training backgrounds unite for a single purpose — endurance and celebration.

This year, the marathon’s theme “Pace for Peace” carries a deeper message, symbolizing unity and hope at a time when several regions across the world continue to face conflict and unrest. The organisers believe that sport, and running in particular, has the power to connect communities, promote solidarity, and inspire positive messages through collective action.

The marathon has also embraced new technology to improve the event experience. For the first time, organisers will use AI-based image selection systems and dual bib-and-face detection to help runners easily identify their race photos. These digital tools are expected to make post-race media access faster, more accurate, and more personalised.

With just days to go, on-spot registrations remain open, giving last-minute entrants a chance to be part of this energetic and meaningful sporting celebration. The race day will see traffic restrictions from 3:30 am to 11:30 am between Chicalim junction and Cortalim junction, and between Cortalim junction and Sontrant junction under the flyover, with diversions in place. Airport-bound traffic will move via Verna, BITS, and MES College junction, while parking facilities for participants and media have been arranged at Regina Mundi School grounds via Dabolim Airport.

As the countdown begins, excitement is building across Goa’s running community. With a celebrated international champion leading the pack and thousands of runners coming together under the banner of peace, the 15th SKF Goa River Marathon promises to be an unforgettable event for athletes and spectators alike.

Social

Goan Duo Dominates Rotary Rain Run 2025: Suraj Velip and Swezial D’souza Clinch 21 km Victory

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – July 29, 2025: The monsoons didn’t stop the spirit of over 2,400 runners from across India who descended upon Goa for the 11th edition of the Rotary Rain Run 2025. In a remarkable show of athleticism and community spirit, Suraj Velip (30) and Swezial D’souza (22) clinched top honours in the 21-kilometre open event for men and women, respectively.

The prestigious event, flagged off at the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) Athletics Stadium, brought together participants from Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and beyond. The event, organized annually by the Rotary Club of Porvorim in association with Rotary Parivar, serves a noble cause: the proceeds fund women’s health initiatives and education, including the Prakash Cancer Aid Project.

Velip, from Quepem, clocked an impressive 1:25:08, while D’souza, a student of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, won the women’s race with a time of 1:49:27. “Crossing that finish line was an incredible feeling,” said Swezial. “This win is for everyone who believed in me.”

In the 10 km timed run, Hari Velip (36:46) and Line Shetty (1:00:24) took top positions. Additionally, around 20 para-athletes, including Niranjan Jadhav, joined the celebration of resilience and determination, completing either the 2 km walk or 10 km run.

Rain showers at key locations like All India Radio and Dempo Nilaya added to the festive monsoon atmosphere. The Indian Armed Forces, as always, lent their steadfast support, managing hydration booths, medical stations, and logistics with precision.

From live music performances by Lavina Soares, Zumba and yoga warmups, to a buzzing Kids Fun Zone, the Rotary Rain Run 2025 was not just a marathon – it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and purpose.

The event remains AIMS-certified, ensuring international standards and credibility in distance measurement. Every participant was awarded a medal, while top finishers took home trophies and, most importantly, pride and purpose.

Rotary Rain Run 2025 – Run with the Rains. Run with Purpose.