Patna: Over 10,000 people joined the SBI Patna Marathon 2026 titled “Run for drug-free Bihar”, organised by the prohibition, excise and registration department, on Sunday.The marathon commenced at 3.30am from gate number one of Gandhi Maidan and passed through JP Ganga Path and Atal Path before returning to the starting point. The primary objective of the marathon was to raise awareness against substance abuse, foster a drug-free Bihar, and ensure public participation in building a healthy society.The marathon was launched by education minister Sunil Kumar, chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, badminton player PV Sindhu and several other senior officials. “We all know how important fitness is; you have to stay healthy and fit, irrespective of whether you are a player or not,” said Sindhu while congratulating the winners and participants.The event began with a zumba session intended to prepare the runners for various distance categories. To manage the large crowd, the district administration deployed magistrates and police force, besides medical camps were also set up.Emergency medical services were placed on standby at PMCH, NMCH, IGIC, and IGIMS, with mobile ambulances patrolling the race route.In the 42.2-km full marathon, Sadem Dese Husen from Ethiopia secured first place, followed by Tebeje Kineto Washe and Isaiah Ndungu Gichohi.The 21.2-km half-marathon elite men’s category was won by Mukesh Bhambhu and Nafsena Ejeta and John Muinde bagged second and third slots, respectively. In the women’s half-marathon, Tamasi Singh finished first, followed by Akanksha Singh and Aberu Gemechu.The 10-km men’s category saw Pankaj Yadav, Uttam Kumar and Sandeep Yadav take the top three positions, while Yashi Sachan, Sneha Singh and Shivani Kumari were the three winners of women’s 10-km category.Employees of the SBI and excise department assisted in the logistic execution of the race.
