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Third edition records a 45% rise in participation as athletes from 27 Indian states and six countries unite for fitness, inclusion and #RunForZeroHunger

Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and one of the world’s top 10 silver producers, successfully hosted the third edition of the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon in Udaipur.

The event attracted more than 9,700 runners across its on-ground and virtual formats, representing a nearly 45% increase in participation compared with the previous edition. The record turnout further strengthened the event’s position on India’s growing marathon calendar.

Promoted as ‘India’s Most Beautiful Marathon,’ the event brought together runners from 27 Indian states and six countries across the 21.097 km Half Marathon, 10 km and 5 km categories.

A Celebration of Fitness and Inclusion

The marathon transformed Udaipur into a vibrant celebration of fitness, inclusion and social purpose.

Participants included competitive athletes, experienced marathoners, first-time runners, senior citizens, women-led fitness groups, corporate teams and specially-abled runners. Their participation demonstrated how running can bring people together across different ages, abilities and backgrounds.

A special Champions Race featured participants from rural communities across Rajasthan and Udaipur, along with students associated with Shiksha Sambal, Hindustan Zinc’s flagship education initiative.

The three race categories were flagged off by:

• Shri Manna Lal Rawat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Udaipur
• Shri Gaurav Srivastav, IGP, Udaipur Range
• Shri Gaurav Agarwal, Collector, Udaipur
• Dr. Amrita Duhan, SP, Udaipur
• Shri Arun Hasija, Collector, Rajsamand
• Shri Hemand Kalal, SP, Rajsamand
• Mr. Arun Misra, Group CEO, Vedanta Group
• Mr. Amarendu Prakash, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited

Senior leaders from Hindustan Zinc, Dr. Manoj Soni, Founder of Anybody Can Run (ABCR), city officials and other distinguished guests also attended the event.

Mr. Amarendu Prakash, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, said:

“Seeing over 9,700 runners come together in Udaipur is a powerful reflection of how far this marathon has come in just three editions. Through the 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.”

Running for a Greater Purpose

Participants supported the #RunForZeroHunger initiative, combining physical fitness with a broader social objective.

The marathon, promoted by Anybody Can Run, also encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Rajasthan.

Residents of Udaipur gathered in large numbers during the early hours to support runners along the route. The enthusiasm of the local community added energy to the event and reinforced the marathon’s connection with the city.

A Scenic Course Through Udaipur

Runners competed against the picturesque backdrop of Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli ranges, passing through some of Udaipur’s most scenic stretches.

The course, combined with the city’s heritage, natural landscape and enthusiastic public support, has helped establish the Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon as a distinctive sporting experience.

The event is also contributing to Udaipur’s emergence as a destination for sports and experiential tourism. Thousands of runners, their families, fitness communities and visitors travelling to the city generate economic activity across hospitality, transportation, tourism and local businesses.

The marathon also provides a platform to showcase Udaipur to an expanding national and international audience.

Celebrating Udaipur’s Zinc Heritage

The marathon celebrates Udaipur’s identity as Zinc City, rooted in the region’s ancient zinc legacy dating back thousands of years.

Hindustan Zinc carries this heritage forward as the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, making the event a celebration of both the city and the metal that has played an important role in its history.

Every participant who completed the race received a distinctive finisher medal crafted from Hindustan Zinc’s 99.99% pure zinc. The medal symbolised strength, resilience and achievement while creating a tangible connection with Udaipur’s centuries-old zinc heritage.

Strong Performances Across Race Categories

The marathon witnessed competitive performances across its principal categories, with runners demonstrating endurance, determination and sportsmanship.

In the men’s 21.097 km Half Marathon, Mukesh Kumar secured first place with a time of 1 hour, 8 minutes and 47 seconds. Pooja topped the women’s category, finishing in 1 hour, 26 minutes and 9 seconds.

In the 10 km race, Tehender won the men’s category with a time of 32 minutes and 1 second, while Kumari Parru led the women’s field with a finishing time of 36 minutes and 49 seconds.

Beyond the competitive results, thousands of recreational runners crossed the finish line after achieving individual milestones and personal goals.

National and International Participation

Running and fitness communities from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gurugram participated in the event.

International runners from the United States, Sweden, Italy, Japan, Indonesia and Kenya also joined the marathon, giving its third edition a diverse and global 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 into one of Udaipur’s marquee sporting events.

With record participation, strong community involvement and a combination of fitness, purpose and local identity, the third edition marked another milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to promote healthier communities while taking the story of Zinc City to a wider global audience.