The Greenest City of India – Chandigarh, went beyond finish lines for a greener tomorrow at the SBI Green Marathon in collaboration with Mirchi in Season 5

Chandigarh : Between staying in bed on a cold winter morning and being the flagbearers of sustainability, the residents of Chandigarh chose the latter – all charged up to go beyond finish lines. The leisurely atmosphere of the Chandigarh Club sensed a different vibe altogether – a vibe of change, a vibe of motivation, a vibe of hope. 8th December 2024 was a day when 3000 + residents of Chandigarh donned their winter athleisure, all warmed up for SBI Green Marathon in association with Mirchi.

SBI Green Marathon in association with Mirchi has always encouraged everyone to go beyond finish lines – through a sustainable marathon, you not only run for a healthy you, but also for healthy planet! And we’re glad that the city of Chandigarh showed interest in bringing a change and join us in our initiative.

SBI and Mirchi have always stayed true to the commitment of a sustainable marathon. As part of registration for the run, they received organic T-shirts and plant-able BIBs, with a view to introduce a sustainable practice right from the start. These plant-able BIBs would help make the greenest city of Chandigarh, to retain its greenery.

Running categories include 5K, 10K, and 21K, creating an opportunity for all kinds of participation. You could be a beginner or an expert, what matters the most is your intent for a greener tomorrow. Additionally, the certification by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), adds a global stamp of credibility and appeal, opening doors for global opportunities in the space of marathons.  

Senior management from State Bank of India Shri Manoranjan Panda – General Manager Network 1, Shashank Kumar – Deputy General Manager and army representative Maj Gen Mathew Jacob, Commandant of the prestigious Military Hospital of Western Command were duly present at the event to flag off the marathon.

Being in the lively and vibrant city of Chandigarh, SBI and Mirchi emphasized picking the venue and wanted it to be perfect. Having said this, the epitome of recreation in Chandigarh i.e. the Chandigarh Club was the venue. The wide and clean roads of Chandigarh proved to be a perfect and pleasant backdrop for every runner.

As every participant ran on the track, the hope of a greener tomorrow was clearly visible on everyone’s face.

SBI Green marathon as an initiative is more than just a run. It’s an effort to build and grow a community of those who wish to see a green, clean and healthy tomorrow. The thought of going "Beyond Finish Lines" is a call to action, encouraging runners to be catalysts of positive and long-term change on a global level. 

RJ Abby and RJ Omika from Mirchi Chandigarh played hosts for the event ensuring the participants are charged up and engaged for the run. Alongside, active members from the running community like Harjit Singh, Abhilasha Rai, Sanodh Saggi, Dipendar Singh and Inderjeet Singh wore the shoes of ambassadors for the run and played a key role in engaging with participants and pushing them to go beyond the finish line. 

In a remarkable display of determination and grit, 14 blind children from Punjab University took part in the 5KM run. These young champions, who have faced unimaginable challenges in their daily lives, showed the world that with unwavering spirit and unrelenting passion, anything is possible. These children were motivated and volunteered by a team of officers led by Col Inderjit Singh and Col Ajitpal Singh.
SBI and Mirchi partnered with Skrap as their waste management agency to handle waste generated during the event, responsibly. This association reflected the organizers' ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting transparency, ensuring every aspect of the marathon aligns with its green ethos.  

The 5th Edition of the SBI Green Marathon in collaboration with Mirchi is all about bringing a sustainable change, in you and in the planet. It’s not just a race but a beacon of sustainability, showing that real change happens when actions go beyond the finish lines.  

To conclude, the city of Chandigarh is an experience in itself and with a touch of sustainability, it was more of a fulfilling experience. A mood board of laughs, sweat, hushes but above anything, pride. Pride in every cheer, every step pushing towards the finish line. 

SBI Green Marathon in association with Mirchi is the foundation of a sustainable habit, in you, for the planet!