Mathrubhumi Kozhikode Marathon concludes with record turnout; Shivam Tomar from MP wins 21 km title

Kozhikode: Kozhikode turned into a sea of excitement as the Mathrubhumi Kozhikode Marathon 2026 concluded with an enthusiastic public response. The event drew strong participation from international runners, including competitors from Kenya and Dubai, many of whom arrived after appearing in global marathon events.

Shivam C Tomar of Madhya Pradesh won first place in the 21 km category, marking a standout victory. The organisers announced that the second edition of the Mathrubhumi Kozhikode Marathon 2027 will be held on January 10 next year, reflecting the overwhelming public support for the event.

The marathon featured 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km races, with the 5 km category conducted as a fun run, encouraging public participation and community fitness engagement.

Kerala Minister for Public Works Department and Tourism P A Mohamed Riyas said the Mathrubhumi event was organised “in a very popular and people-friendly manner” and congratulated all participants.

In the 21 km men’s category, Shivam C Tomar secured first place, followed by Mukesh Kumar of Rajasthan in second place and Juma Wycliffe of Kenya in third. In the women’s 21 km race, Anju Murugan from Idukki took first place, Ramani from Madhya Pradesh secured second, and Asha Pathrose from Kothamangalam finished third. Minister Mohamed Riyas presented medals, while MLA Thottathil Ravindran distributed cash awards.

In the 10 km men’s category, Nabeel Sahi of Kozhikode won first place, Rijin Babu from Thiruvananthapuram finished second, and Neeraj Singh from Madhya Pradesh secured third place. MLA Ravindran awarded medals and Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor P V Chandran distributed cash prizes.

In the 10 km women’s race, Yashi from Uttar Pradesh won first place, while Fathima Nazla and Asma, both from Kozhikode, finished second and third respectively. MLA Ravindran presented medals and VKC Managing Director VKC Razak handed out cash rewards.

The 21 km run was flagged off by Commandant Sandeep Singh, Commanding Officer of the Indian Coast Guard, Beypore. The 10 km race was flagged off by VKC Group MD VKC Razak, and the 5 km race by Kozhikode MP MK Raghavan. The marathon drew participants from Dubai, Kenya, and 12 Indian states outside Kerala, underscoring its growing national and international appeal.

The second edition of the Kozhikode Marathon will be held on January 10, 2027, Mathrubhumi Public Relations General Manager K R Pramod announced.