'Every step for wellness and the ocean': Cox's Bazar Marathon 2025 concludes with nearly 1,500 runners
The Cox's Bazar Marathon 2025 concluded in a vibrant and festive atmosphere on Saturday (1 November) with the participation of nearly 1,500 runners.
Organised by the Cox's Bazar Runners' Community in collaboration with the Cox's Bazar District Administration, the marathon began at 4:30am.
The theme of the third edition of the event was "Every Step for Wellness and the Ocean."
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The competition was held across four categories – the 42.2-kilometre full marathon, 21.1-kilometre half marathon, 10-kilometre mid run, and 2.5-kilometre kids' run.
The race started from Laboni Beach Point in Cox's Bazar. From there, the runners passed through Holiday Mor, Thana Road, Khurushkul, Choufal Dandi, Pokkhali, and Khan Beach in Islampur before returning to Laboni Beach to finish the race.
Later, the judges announced Rahim Uddin as the winner of the men's full marathon category, Mamun as the winner of the men's half marathon, and Afroza Akter Rikta as the winner of the women's half marathon.
In the mid-run category, Zakir Hossain won in the men's division, while Bipasha secured the top spot in the women's division.
In the kids' run, Safin Omair clinched first place among the boys, while Wasina Binte Amid secured second place among the girls.
Race Director and key member of the organising committee S M Sadek said, "Despite various limitations and challenges, we successfully completed the event.
"Our main objective was to promote running, fitness, and wellness. Our goal is to prioritise the mental and physical well-being of the youth of Cox's Bazar and to showcase the region on a global platform through this marathon."
At the award-giving ceremony held at the Laboni Open Stage, Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan attended as the chief guest. "The Cox's Bazar marathon is not just a race. It is a symbol of perseverance and enthusiasm. This event will inspire the youth and further advance Cox's Bazar."
In his presidential speech, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Shamsud Douza Nayan said, "This event has been successfully organised, and it is a matter of pride that it was arranged through the initiative of the local youth of Cox's Bazar. Such events will play a significant role in promoting the tourism industry."
Also present at the event were Additional District Magistrate Shahidul Alam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imran Hossain Sajib, footballer Shaheda Akter Ripa, Chhuti Group Chairman Mostafa Mohammad Alfi, and Akij Bicycle representative Mosharraf Hossain, among others.
The title sponsor of the event was Akij Bicycle, powered by Chhuti Beach Resort.
