Patna: Thousands of runners gathered at the historic Gandhi Maidan on Sunday as the SBI Patna Marathon 2026 was successfully organised under the joint initiative of the Bihar government’s prohibition department and State Bank of India. Held under the theme “Run for Nasha-Mukt Bihar”, the event saw more than 10,000 participants take part in the early-morning race, signalling strong public support for the campaign to build a drug-free and healthier society.
The marathon aimed to raise awareness about the state’s anti-addiction campaign and encourage greater community participation in public health initiatives. The event began with an energetic Zumba session that set the tone for the day, energising runners and spectators before the races officially started.
The marathon was flagged off by several dignitaries, including Bihar education minister Sunil Kumar and Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu. They were joined by senior officials such as chief secretary Pratyay Amrit and secretary of the prohibition, excise and registration department Ajay Yadav, along with banking and administrative representatives who formally launched the race by waving the green flag.
The race began at 3:30am from Gate No. 1 of Gandhi Maidan and followed a route passing along JP Ganga Path and Atal Path before turning back towards the finishing line at the same gate. Different race categories were flagged off at scheduled intervals to ensure smooth participation and crowd management.
Authorities made extensive arrangements for safety and logistics along the route. Magistrates, police officers and security personnel were deployed for crowd and traffic control. Temporary medical camps were set up with specialist doctors and cardiologists, while ambulances were stationed at key points including the 10.5km mark. Emergency services were also kept ready at hospitals such as Patna Medical College and Hospital and Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences.
In the full 42.2km marathon, Ethiopian runner Sadem Dese Husen finished first with a time of 2:22, followed by Tebeje Kineto Washe in second place and Kenya’s Isaiah Ndungu Gichohi in third. In the 21.2km half marathon elite men’s category, Mukesh Bhambhu secured first place, while Nafsena Ejeta and John Muinde finished second and third respectively. In the women’s half marathon, Tamsi Singh claimed the top spot, followed by Akanksha Singh and Aberu Gemechu.
The 10km race saw Pankaj Yadav win the men’s category, with Uttam Kumar and Sandeep Yadav finishing second and third. In the women’s category, Yashi Sachan took first place, ahead of Sneha Singh and Shivani Kumari.
Officials from the Bihar prohibition, excise and registration department and the State Bank of India also actively participated in the event, playing a key role in organising the marathon and ensuring its smooth execution. The organisers said the strong turnout reflected growing public support for the vision of a healthier and addiction-free Bihar.
