Tag: marathon

Events in Goa

I-Run Goa Marathon 2026 Introduces New 32 km Challenge in Seventh Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The upcoming edition of the I-Run Goa Marathon, organised by the I-Help Foundation, Goa, is scheduled to take place on January 4, 2026, marking nine years of the foundation’s work to uplift underprivileged communities across the state. Entering its seventh edition, the marathon introduces a new 32 km race category aimed at experienced runners looking to push their endurance further.

Founder and spokesperson of the marathon, Praveen Maurya, said the event continues to evolve each year by offering new challenges to the running community. He noted that the 32 km category was introduced for runners ready to go beyond conventional distances while staying connected to the marathon’s core purpose of social impact.

Held under the theme “Run for a Cause,” the marathon continues to support social, educational and environmental initiatives. Funds raised from the event will be directed towards child education and women empowerment programmes, benefiting children in 23 orphanages across Calangute and South Goa by providing education, meals, clothing and sports equipment.

Since its inception in 2017, the I-Run Goa Marathon has grown into one of Goa’s most anticipated community sporting events. Despite a two-year pause due to Covid-19 norms, the marathon has seen participation from runners across India and overseas, drawing more than 10,000 participants over its previous six editions.

In addition to the new 32 km category, the marathon will feature a 21 km half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km timed runs, a 5 km charity run and a 2 km fun run. The 32 km race will flag off at 5:00 am from the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Taleigao, passing Panjim Gymkhana before looping back to the start point.

The event will welcome runners from the armed forces, Goa Police and around 30 para-athletes, reinforcing its inclusive and community-driven spirit. Set along the scenic Dona Paula and Miramar stretch, the course will offer hydration points, breakfast counters, medical and physiotherapy support, and dedicated volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

All participants will receive medals, certificates, T-shirts and timing bibs, except those in charity and fun run categories. The day will conclude with interactive fitness sessions and activities hosted by Sunil Fitness Wave, creating a celebratory atmosphere for runners and spectators alike. Registrations for the I-Run Goa Marathon 2026 are currently open on the official marathon website.

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.

Sports

15th SKF Goa River Marathon Gears Up to ‘Pace for Peace’ on December 14

Tanisha Cardozo

The 15th edition of the SKF Goa River Marathon (SKF-GRM) is set to take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the scenic Chicalim Panchayat Ground in Goa. With its unique theme this year—“Pace for Peace”—the marathon is more than just a test of physical endurance; it is a symbolic stand for unity and harmony in an increasingly fractured world.

Organised by the Vasco Sports Club, the SKF-GRM is one of India’s most popular long-distance running events, drawing elite athletes, passionate amateurs, and fitness enthusiasts from across India and overseas. According to Vasco Sports Club president Nitin Bandekar, this year’s marathon is expected to witness a record participation of 7,500 runners. “The response this year was very heartening. Our event continues to generate significant revenues for the local tourism sector in Goa,” he said during a press conference.

Participants can choose from five distinct race categories tailored to various endurance levels: Full Marathon (42.2 km), 20 Miler (32 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, and 5 km. The total prize pool of ₹8 lakhs makes it an attractive proposition for serious competitors, while the scenic coastal course ensures it remains a bucket-list experience for first-timers.

The title sponsor, SKF India, continues its longstanding support of the event. “At SKF, we are proud to be the Title Sponsor of the Goa River Marathon – a celebration of endurance, community, and movement. GRM reflects our mission to fight friction and push boundaries, just like sport does,” said Mukund Vasudevan, Managing Director of SKF India (Industrial).

Beyond the race itself, the SKF-GRM offers runners the opportunity to compete on a global scale. Rakesh Unny, Secretary of the Vasco Sports Club, revealed that timing results from the SKF-GRM will be ranked by the Abbott World Marathon Majors, enabling qualifying runners to aim for elite global marathons such as those in London, Boston, New York, and Chicago.

Adding a unique flair to this year’s edition are two special events: a Carbohydrate Loading Dinner the night before the race to help runners fuel up, and a Post-Race Sports Festival Rave at 4 PM on race day to celebrate achievement and community.

The SKF Goa River Marathon has steadily grown to become more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of human spirit, resilience, and now, a message of peace. Registrations are currently open for all race categories, with thousands already signed up to take part in this historic event.

As the sun rises over Chicalim on December 14, thousands of feet will pound the earth not just for personal glory—but for peace, purpose, and the sheer joy of movement.