UDAIPUR (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top 10 silver producers globally, successfully hosted the 3rd edition of the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Zinc City – Udaipur today. In its biggest edition yet, the marathon witnessed an overwhelming response with over 9700 runners across its on-ground and virtual formats, marking a nearly 45% surge in participation over the previous edition and reinforcing its growing stature on India’s running calendar.
Touted as ‘India’s Most Beautiful Marathon’, the event brought together runners from across India and overseas across the 21.097 km Half Marathon, 10 km and 5 km categories, transforming Udaipur into a vibrant celebration of fitness, inclusivity and purpose. The marathon also featured a special Champions Race showcasing enthusiastic participation from communities across rural Rajasthan & Udaipur and students of Shiksha Sambal, Hindustan Zinc’s flagship education initiative. From competitive athletes and seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, senior citizens, women-led fitness communities, corporate teams and specially-abled participants, the third edition reflected the growing appeal of running as a sport that transcends age, ability and background.
The three categories were flagged off by Manna Lal Rawat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Udaipur, Gaurav Srivastav, IGP Udaipur Range IPS, Gaurav Agarwal, Udaipur Collector IAS, Dr. Amrita Duhan, SP Udaipur, Arun Hasija, Rajsamand Collector IAS, Hemand Kalal, SP Rajsamand , alongside Arun Misra, GCEO Vedanta Group, Amarendu Prakash, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, senior leadership of Hindustan Zinc, Dr. Manoj Soni, Founder, Anybody Can Run (ABCR), city officials and other eminent guests.
Amarendu Prakash, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Seeing over 9700 runners come together in Udaipur is a powerful reflection of how far this marathon has come in just three editions. Through Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, Hindustan Zinc brings together the energy of sport, the beauty of Udaipur and the collective spirit of its people. Our ambition is to see India’s Most Beautiful Marathon emerge among the country’s most sought-after running experiences and take the spirit of Zinc City to the world.”
Adding a civic dimension to the event the marathon, promoted by Anybody Can Run (ABCR), also served as a platform to encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Rajasthan.
The people of Udaipur turned out in large numbers in the early hours of the morning to cheer runners along the route. Participants raced against the spectacular backdrop of Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli ranges, passing through some of the city’s most picturesque stretches, participating in the #RunForZeroHunger initiative, blending fitness with purpose. The scenic course, coupled with the city’s heritage and enthusiastic community support, has helped establish the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon as a distinctive running experience and strengthened Udaipur’s growing appeal as a destination for sports and experiential tourism.
The marathon also celebrates Udaipur’s identity as Zinc City, rooted in the region’s ancient zinc legacy dating back thousands of years. Today, Hindustan Zinc carries this legacy forward as the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, making the marathon a celebration of both the city and the metal that has been integral to its history.
The growing scale of the marathon is also contributing to Udaipur’s emergence as a sports tourism destination. With thousands of runners, their families, fitness communities and visitors travelling to the city, the event creates an economic ripple across hospitality, travel, tourism and local businesses, while showcasing Udaipur to a growing national and international audience.
The marathon witnessed remarkable performances across its competitive categories, with runners demonstrating exceptional endurance and sportsmanship. Mukesh Kumar emerged victorious in the men’s 21.097 km Half Marathon, clocking an impressive 1 hour, 8 minutes and 47 seconds, while Pooja topped the women’s category with a timing of 1 hour, 26 minutes and 9 seconds. In the 10 km race, Tehender claimed the men’s title in 32 minutes and 1 second, while Kumari Parru led the women’s field with a strong finish of 36 minutes and 49 seconds. From elite athletes chasing the podium to recreational runners completing personal milestones, thousands crossed the finish line through the morning, celebrating endurance, determination and the spirit of running.
Every finisher took home a distinctive Zinc Finisher Medal crafted from Hindustan Zinc’s 99.99% pure zinc, symbolising strength, resilience and achievement while creating a tangible connection with Udaipur’s centuries-old zinc heritage.
Running and fitness communities from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurugram, along with participants from the United States of America, Sweden, Republic of Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Kenya, joined the marathon giving the third edition a truly diverse character.
Certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and listed on the global marathon calendar, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon has grown rapidly over three editions into a marquee sporting event for Udaipur. With a record 9700 runners, strong community participation and an experience combining fitness, purpose and the distinctive character of Zinc City, the third edition marked another milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s endeavour to build healthier communities while taking Udaipur’s story to the world.
Also Read in Hindi: हिंदुस्तान जिंक की तीसरी वेदांता जिंक सिटी हाफ मैराथन को अभूतपूर्व सफलता, 9700 से अधिक धावकों ने लिया हिस्सा
