Jagdalpur, March 22 More than 9,800 runners participated in the 'Bastar Heritage Marathon 2026' in the Jagdalpur district of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, setting a new record and reflecting the region's growing peace and development, a government official said.
The marathon began at Lalbagh in the Jagdalpur city and concluded near the scenic Chitrakote Waterfalls, popularly known as the "Niagara of India".
Speaking on the occasion, State Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the marathon marked a milestone in Bastar's journey towards peace and prosperity.
He noted that the Bastar region, once affected by decades of unrest, is now emerging as a hub of opportunity, with youth excelling in sports as well as competitive examinations.
MLA Kiran Singh Deo described the event as a new chapter in Bastar's development, following the success of earlier initiatives such as the Abujhmad Half Marathon.
He emphasised that such events reflect the government's commitment to accelerating growth in the region.
"Participants from across the country and abroad took part in the marathon. To encourage talent, the administration announced a prize pool of Rs 25 lakh. A special 'Bastar Category' with free registration was introduced to enable local runners to compete alongside professional athletes," the official said.
The event also saw enthusiastic participation from members of the Manjhi-Chalki community, highlighting its inclusive nature, he said.
The marathon not only promoted sportsmanship but also projected a renewed image of Bastar as a region of cultural richness, peace, and rapid development, he added.