Team News Riveting
Rourkela, November 8
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), a unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has announced the organization of ‘Rourkela Half Marathon-2026’ the first-ever Half Marathon in Rourkela, on 24th January 2026, coinciding with the SAIL Foundation Day celebrations.
Themed “Run for Prosperity,” the event aims to promote fitness, community spirit, and a healthy lifestyle among the people of Rourkela and beyond. It is noteworthy that the AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certified is designed as per and world standards.
Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, Rourkela Steel Plant with additional charge of DIC, Bokaro Steel Plant launched the logo, mascot, website, theme song and Jersey of the Rourkela Half Marathon in a Media Meet organised on 8th November, 2025 at Indo German Club.
Tarun Misra, ED (HR) and Chairman of the Organising Committee, B K Giri, ED (MD & CMLO), M P Singh, ED (Mines) and S Pal Chowdhury, ED (Projects), P K Rath, ED (SRU) were also present on the dais. All Chief General Managers and a large number of media persons attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Verma said that the Marathon will be held on January 24th every year on the occasion of SAIL Foundation Day celebrations. “Rourkela is the Steel City, known for its industrial muscle as well as its excellence in Hockey. Henceforth we want that Rourkela should be known for the Half Marathon and excellence in athletics too,” he added. Speaking on the theme ‘Run for Prosperity’ the Director In-Charge emphasized that being the oldest steel plant of the state Rourkela Steel Plant has always been committed to the progress and prosperity of the entire region and with the upcoming phase of expansion, RSP’s contribution will be even more significant. Answering the queries of media persons Mr. Verma spoke about the different aspects of the Marathon.
Earlier Tarun Misra, elaborated about the details of the Half Marathon. Verma also felicitated Kishan Chand, GM (Finance) Bokaro Steel Plant and Sumeet Kumar Singh, who are guiding RSP in organizing the Marathon and who also spoke on the occasion.
The announcement ceremony was made lively and fun filled with the entry of the mascots, who danced and posed for photos with the participants. Joydev Majumdar, Assistant Manager (PR) anchored the Show.
This launch marks the beginning of an annual exciting journey towards one of the most anticipated sports events in the region.
It is worth mentioning here that the marathon will feature four running categories to encourage participation across different age groups and abilities:
a. 21.1 KM (Half Marathon) – {Age group (18-45) (45 and above)}
b. 10 KM – Men & Women {Age group (18-45) (45 and above)}
c. 5 KM – Men & Women {Age group (Below 18 years) (18-45) (45 and above)}
d. KM – Specially-abled participants (Open category of all ages)
Online registration for different categories of the marathon will open from 9th November 2025. The marathon is expected to witness enthusiastic participation from SAIL employees, their families, and fitness enthusiasts from across Odisha and neighboring states. More than 2000 athletes from periphery villages are expected to take part in the marathon.
A total prize money of Rs. 7,70,800/- has been earmarked for winners across all categories. 1st Prize winners of Men and Women of both age groups in 21.1Km category will be awarded with Rs. 51,000/- followed by Rs. 31,000/- and Rs. 21,000/- to the 2nd and 3rd prize winners. Next 5 winners in the same category will awarded with Rs. 1000/- a consolation award. Similarly, the 1st Prize winner of Men and Women of both age groups in 10Km category will be awarded with Rs. 21,000/- followed by Rs. 11,000/- and Rs. 7,100/- to the 2nd and 3rd prize winners. Consolation award of Rs. 750/- will be given to the next 5 winners. In the 5Km, 1st prize winners of Men and Women of both age groups will be awarded with Rs. 5100/- followed by Rs. 3100/- and Rs. 2100/- to the 2nd and 3rd prize winners. In the open category of 2Km run, Rs. 5100/- , Rs. 3100/- and Rs. 2100/-will be awarded to first three winners followed by Rs. 500/- as consolation award to next 5 winners.
In addition, Top 10 Rural Participants will receive Rs. 5,000/- each, while the next 20 Rural Participants will be presented with a token gift worth Rs.1000/-. To encourage young talents, the Top 10 Rural School Students will also receive Rs. 1,500/- each. Each runner completing the marathon in the assigned time will receive a medal and a digital certificate.
The Half Marathon will commence from Ispat Stadium, Sector – 6 at 6.00 am in phases. Each participant will be provided with jerseys along with BIBS equipped with RFID chips. The marathon will be monitored by a third party using tracking software, drone and checkpoints for fair participation and accuracy. Fun Points will be set up along the way, where cultural programmes will be performed while spectators will cheer the runners at various points. A mega musical programme will be organized at the Ispat Stadium for the audience waiting for the return of the runners. The entry to the stadium will be free for all. Doctors, paramedics and ambulances will be deployed at key locations.
The Rourkela Half Marathon 2026 seeks to inspire people to embrace fitness as a way of life and to build a sense of harmony through participation. With the launch of its official identity, RSP aims to set in motion a tradition of community-driven sporting excellence, reflecting SAIL’s values of strength, perseverance, and collective well-being.
