About 1800 runners from India and abroad participated in the 8th Monsoon Marathon-2026 held in Pachmarhi. The event promoted Fit India, Adventure Tourism and Green Tourism.
Bhopal. A grand event of 8th Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon-2026 was organized on Sunday, 26 July at Pachmarhi, the famous hill station of Madhya Pradesh. This marathon, organized in the valleys of Satpura surrounded by natural beauty, was inaugurated by Narmadapuram MP Darshan Singh Choudhary and Dr. Santosh Kumar Srivastava, Joint Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, by flagging off. Runners and tourists from different states of the country as well as from foreign countries participated enthusiastically in this competition organized under the joint aegis of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, District Administration and Adventures and You.
1800 runners from India and abroad showed strong participation
This was the eighth edition of the Pachmarhi Monsoon Marathon being organized continuously since 2018. This time around 1800 participants took part in it. The special thing was that apart from various states of India, international runners from Sweden, Mongolia, Peru and America also made this event memorable. The enthusiasm of participants of all ages in the marathon was worth seeing. Participants ranging from children as young as 4 years old to seniors as old as 84 years gave a great message of fitness and courage by racing on the challenging track.
Marathon held in four categories, 42 km race became the biggest attraction
The competition was organized in four categories keeping in mind runners of every age group and fitness level.
- 42 Km Full Marathon: Ultimate Challenge (6:00 am)
- 21 Km Half Marathon: Stamina Test (6:45 am)
- 10 Km Run: For Passionate Runners (7:45 am)
- 5 Km Fun Run: For new participants and families (8:00 am)
The biggest attraction among these was the 42 kilometer full marathon. This race, held on the high and low hills and challenging roads of Satpura, tested the runners’ physical ability as well as mental strength.
A memorable experience amidst drizzling rain and greenery
Light monsoon rains, mist covered hills and greenery all around made this event even more special. The participants told that running in the natural valleys of Pachmarhi was no less than an exciting experience for them. The weather and beautiful environment gave a different identity to the entire event.
MP Darshan Singh Chaudhary boosted the enthusiasm of the youth
Narmadapuram MP Darshan Singh Chaudhary expressed happiness over the successful organization of the marathon and welcomed the participants from India and abroad. He said that the enthusiasm of the youth will play an important role in taking forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve of ‘Developed India’. He also congratulated Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board for this successful event.
Officers also took part in the race
Many officials of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and District Administration also took active participation in the marathon. Area Director of Satpura Tiger Reserve, Rakhi Nanda, encouraged the participants by taking part in the 5 kilometer race.
Fit India’s message related to green destination Pachmarhi
Recently awarded the Green Destinations Bronze Award at ITB Berlin 2026, Pachmarhi once again strengthened its identity through this event. This marathon was not just a sports competition, but also became an effective platform to promote Fit India campaign, Sustainable Tourism and Adventure Tourism.
Participants appreciated the initiative of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
Runners from across the country and abroad openly praised the arrangements, security arrangements and the entire atmosphere of the event. The participants said that running amidst the natural beauty of Pachmarhi was an unforgettable experience for them. He believes that such events are giving Pachmarhi a new identity as a major center of monsoon tourism.
There should be solid arrangements for security and facilities
Under the leadership of the organizing committee and Mitesh Ramiya, Director of Adventures & You, elaborate arrangements were made for the safety of the participants. Hydration points, medical teams, ambulances, guidance systems and other essential facilities were made available throughout the route, providing a safe and better experience to the runners.