Kolkata, 25 September, 2026: Infusing excitement into the city’s fitness calendar, the organizers of the JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026 Powered by Ellenbarrie revealed the much-anticipated official Finisher Medal for its historic 11th edition earlier today at the iconic Kolkata Police Athletic Club. Scheduled for 29th November, 2026, the marquee event stands as Eastern India’s only World Athletics Labelled Full Marathon, expecting more than 15,000 national and international runners.
The Maidan came alive at 5:30 am as runners, veteran pacers and running club captains gathered at the venue. Spirits soared as marathon icon and ‘Face of JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026‘, Mr Milind Soman arrived alongside accomplished endurance athlete and ‘Mentor of Women Pacers’, Ms Ankita Konwar. Participants were divided into collaborative teams following an operational briefing, before the high-energy city Treasure Hunt was officially flagged off.
As teams sprinted back after cracking thematic checkpoints across the central corridor, the event transitioned into a high-octane Jigsaw Puzzle showdown. Racing against the clock, all five teams pieced together their respective puzzles to concurrently reveal five identical replicas of the official JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026 Finisher Medal; an intricately forged medallion reflecting athletic endurance and Kolkata’s architectural soul. The simultaneous reveal sparked enthusiastic cheers across the grounds.
A pivotal highlight of the morning was an intensive open-air mentoring forum titled ‘In Conversation with the Pacers’, led by Ms Ankita Konwar for the marathon’s dedicated contingent of 50 Women Pacers. Ankita delved into split management, rhythm conservation, course psychology and hydration strategy, empowering the pacers to serve as confident on-ground mentors for thousands aiming for personal milestones on 29th November, 2026.
“Revealing this year’s medallion through an interactive team puzzle after a morning dash around the Maidan captured the true camaraderie of running. Kolkata’s passion is raw and infectious and holding this medal up today signals that race day is just around the corner”, said Mr Milind Soman, Renowned Model, Actor, Fitness Icon & Face of JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026.
“Pacing a marathon is a selfless responsibility as you carry the hopes and target finish times of hundreds of runners on your shoulders. Sitting down with our 50 women pacers this morning was energizing. They are focused, disciplined and ready to guide the city toward their finish lines. Seeing them gave me immense pride in how far female representation in endurance sport has come”, shared Ms Ankita Konwar, Triathlete, National Fitness Influencer & Mentor of 50 Women Pacers.
“Every element of the JBG Kolkata Marathon’s 11th edition reflects our commitment to creating a unique running experience as per international athletic standards. A finisher medal is far more than commemorative metal; it is a physical proof of every participant’s effort in achieving their respective goals. Watching five teams race together to assemble the medal this morning captured the true grit and camaraderie of this city. Every runner who crosses the finishing line will carry home a symbol of genuine achievement and strength,” said Mr Gaurav Jajodia, Director, Jai Balaji Group.
“We designed the finisher medal to be a prized possession of Eastern India’s only World Athletics Bronze Labelled Full Marathon. Unveiling it alongside at Kolkata Police Athletic Club marks another proud chapter as we move closer to the Marathon”, said Mr Nishant Maheshwari, CEO & Founder, Sportiz and Race Director, JBG Kolkata Marathon.
Promoted by Sportiz, supported by Fit India, the JBG Kolkata Marathon 2026, In Association With The Telegraph is backed by Title Partner, Jai Balaji Group, Powered By Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Ltd., Strength Partner, JBG HEXA TMT, Apparel Partner, T10 Sports, Energy Drink Partner, Fast&Up, Pain Relief Partner, Zandu Fast Relief, Entertainment Partner, 98.3 Radio Mirchi, Philanthropy Partner, India Cares Foundation and Online Media Partner, RevSportz. Registrations for all race categories are currently open on the official marathon portal.
Registrations for the Full Marathon (42.2 KM), Half Marathon, 10 KM, 5 KM, 100 M, Cosplay Run, and Special Heroes Category are open on the official marathon portal.