UDAIPUR: Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the top 5 silver producers globally, successfully hosted the 2nd edition of the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon today in Udaipur. The event saw an overwhelming response with 7,000 runners from 27 states across the country & globe, participating in the #RunForZeroHunger initiative, blending fitness with purpose.
The races were flagged off by Manna Lal Rawat – MP Udaipur, Tarachand Jain – MLA Udaipur City, Phool Singh Meena – MLA Udaipur Rural, Namit Mehta -Udaipur District Collector, Abhishek Khanna – Municipal Commissioner, Shri Sunil Chedri – Chief Conservator of Forests & Arun Misra – CEO, Hindustan Zinc with the presence of eminent dignitaries, city officials, Hindustan Zinc’s senior leadership and Anybody Can Run (ABCR) team.
With three race categories – 21km, 10km, and 5km, the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon truly catered to runners of all fitness levels and age groups. The highlight of the event was the inclusive participation from every corner of society: senior citizens from the Maharana Pratap Senior Citizen Group, differently abled athletes, children, women-led fitness collectives like She Circle India, Women Business Circle and professionals from organizations such as Secure Meters, Arcgate and BCI. Their presence not only added vibrance but reflected the broader spirit of inclusivity and purpose. Many participants embraced the event as part of the national Fit India Movement – a call given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to encourage citizens to integrate fitness into daily life with the simple message: “Fitness ki dose, aadha ghanta roz.”
The people of Udaipur poured out on the streets in the early hours of the morning to cheer the runners on. Participants enjoyed a scenic route around the serene Fateh Sagar Lake and the majestic Aravalli Ranges, taking in the beauty of Maharana Pratap Smarak, Neemach Mata Mandir, and lush green gardens. The marathon celebrated Udaipur’s rich zinc legacy, a metal intertwined with the city’s history for nearly 3000 years, predating its fame as the City of Lakes.
Hindustan Zinc CEO, Arun Misra, an avid marathoner and finisher of 21KM category at the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon, shared “I am absolutely thrilled to see the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon putting Udaipur on the global running map. The overwhelming participation in this second edition shows how Udaipur is embracing fitness as a way of life. What really started as a local initiative has now evolved into an international celebration of health, purpose, and people power. As a proud 21KM finisher myself, I can say that at Hindustan Zinc, we are committed not just to building a sustainable business, but to nurturing healthier, stronger communities, and this marathon is a true embodiment of that vision.”
The marathon witnessed remarkable performances across all race categories, with participants showcasing exceptional determination, endurance, and sportsmanship. The fiercely contested 21 km and 10 km challenges saw outstanding finishes in both male and female categories, reflecting the high level of competition and preparation among runners. The winners also expressed their gratitude and pride upon completing the race with remarkable timings. Deva Ram (Winner – 21 km Male Category), Madina Paul (Winner – 21 km Female Category), Rohit Bansiwal (Winner – 10 Km Male Category), Suraj (Winner – 10 Km Female Category) shared that running the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon was a truly memorable and inspiring experience. From seasoned athletes to first-time participants, every finisher crossed the line with pride, making this edition a true celebration of grit and glory.
Each finisher received a unique medal crafted from Hindustan Zinc’s pure zinc, symbolizing the city’s connection with this critical metal. Running and fitness groups from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Nagpur, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Indore etc also joined hands to make the marathon a truly collective effort. Supporting the #RunForZeroHunger initiative by Nandghar, backed by the Anil Agarwal Foundation, the marathon helped nourish thousands of children with Poshan Packs – reinforcing the vision of a healthier, hunger-free society.
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 cemented its place as a marquee sporting event. With enthusiastic participation, strong community involvement, and a blend of fitness and purpose, the second edition marked yet another milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to build a healthier and more sustainable future.
