Vadodara Marathon (VM) was incepted in 2009, as a not-for-profit organization under Section 25 of the Companies Act. VM enthuses and encourages citizens to adopt a fitness oriented and healthy lifestyle. Each edition of the Marathon attracts elite professional runners from all over the world and India, along with citizens from Gujarat.
Over the years, VM has developed a unique character of “Sports, Seva, Swachchata”, supporting social and civic causes with each edition of the Marathon. VM offers a platform to local NGOs to increase their visibility, raise awareness and funds for their causes, and increase their reach through networking.
With each edition, Vadodara Marathon has grown from strength to strength. It is the largest international sporting event in Gujarat, and among the top 10 Marathons in India. Vadodara Marathon is accredited to Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), Athletics Federation of India (AFI), and BDAAA (Baroda District Amateur Athletics Association). VM is proud to share that it has been recognized as a World Marathon Majors Age Group Qualifying Event race, as part of the Abbott World Marathon.
VM is honored to have Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, with other dignitaries, flag off the Marathon. The first 4 editions were flagged off by Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendrabhai Modi, who was then Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat. The 5th edition was flagged off by Smt. Anandiben Patel, former Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat. The 6th edition was flagged off by Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Shri Vijaybhai Goel, Hon. Union Minister of Sports, Govt. of India. The 7th, 8th and 9th editions were again flagged off by Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, with other dignitaries and VM Brand Ambassadors. In 2021, Vadodara Marathon organized a virtual marathon from 4-10 January, which was also flagged-off digitally by Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Our 11th edition held on 7th January 2024, was flagged off by Shri Harshbhai Sanghavi, Minister of State- Home & Industries, Transport, Youth, Sports & Culture, Govt of Gujarat, along with other dignitaries, religious leaders and VM Brand Ambassadors.
VM has Timed Runs and Fun Runs, offering special experiences for all age groups as an inclusive marathon experience. The Timed Runs include Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, and Quarter Marathon. It also includes Jawaan Run (for all cadres of EME, Air Force, Air Defence, CISF, Police & NCC and other forces).
The Fun Runs include 5Km Swachhata Run (for all), 5Km NGO Pledge Run (for NGOs & volunteer groups to raise awareness and funds for social causes). Milestone runs include 1Km Divyang Paralympic Run (for Divyang participants), and ‘Torch of Seva’ where a select group of socially conscious citizens run 5km, and pledge to donate to causes or charities of their choice within the calendar year. The 10th edition had Pledges Run, with a group of 28 Pledgers from corporates, educational institutions and social groups, along with their associates, ran 5KM to raise awareness for various NGOs and social causes.
