Kolkata Turns Green as Thousands Join SBI Marathon to Champion Sustainability

Ray Sportz Web Desk: The City of Joy woke up to a powerful message of environmental responsibility as the SBI Green Marathon Season 6 made its vibrant Kolkata stop on Sunday morning. After travelling through cities like Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru and Guwahati, the nationwide marathon reached New Town’s NKDA Football Ground, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of more than 5,000 runners.
From sunrise, the venue transformed into a colourful gathering of fitness lovers, families, students, running communities, and members of the Indian Army and Defence Forces — all united by a shared determination to “Run for a Greener India.” The spirit of Kolkata, known for its community warmth and cultural engagement, lent a special charm to the event.
The marathon was ceremonially flagged off by senior officials of the State Bank of India, including Shri Niraj Kumar Panda, Chief General Manager, Kolkata Circle, along with Shri Rajesh Kumar, Shri Sanatan Mishra, Shri Teekam Singh Gehlot, Shri Sunil Kumar Singh, Shri Surya Narayan Panigrahi, Shri Bikram Tripathy, Shri Biresh Kumar, Shri Maheshwar Narain Prasad, Shri Manoranjan Panda, Shri Debashish Mitra, and Shri Rajeev Ratna Srivastava. Their presence reaffirmed SBI’s commitment to promoting sustainability, community wellness, and nationwide environmental awareness.
Staying true to its green-driven ethos, the event emphasised eco-friendly practices throughout. Participants received organic T-shirts, plantable BIBs, and reusable cloth bags — initiatives aimed at reducing waste and encouraging environmentally conscious habits. A key highlight was the provision of black alkaline water, supporting runners with advanced hydration and recovery benefits. Waste Management Partner Skrap supervised segregation and recycling efforts and will prepare a detailed sustainability report.
Popular Mirchi RJ Neel and RJ Mohar powered the morning’s enthusiasm with lively hosting, audience engagement, and motivational interactions, ensuring an energetic atmosphere across the venue.
The AIMS-certified runs — 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon — attracted a diverse mix of seasoned marathoners, defence personnel, fitness clubs, school and college students, and first-time runners. The New Town routes offered a refreshing blend of natural greenery and modern infrastructure, capturing Kolkata’s evolving identity as a forward-looking yet eco-conscious urban space.
With every stride, the city demonstrated its dedication to a healthier planet. The successful Kolkata chapter added another milestone to the 17-city journey of SBI Green Marathon Season 6, reinforcing the message that environmental change begins with collective action.
As the marathon moves onward to its next destination, Kolkata’s powerful show of unity and responsibility stands as a reminder that every step taken today can help build a greener tomorrow.