Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon’s Inaugural Edition a Major Success

Hindustan Zinc
Image Courtesy: Hindustan Zinc

Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, celebrated the successful conclusion of the first-ever Vedanta Zinc City Half Marathon. This AIMS-certified event drew thousands of participants to Udaipur, also known as Zinc City, supporting the cause of #RunForZeroHunger, aimed at eliminating rural malnutrition. The marathon showcased Udaipur’s scenic beauty and positioned the city on the global running map, attracting top athletes, elite Indian runners, and enthusiastic amateurs alike.

The races, featuring 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km categories, were flagged off by prominent local dignitaries, including MP Udaipur Shri Manna Lal Rawat, MLA Udaipur City Shri Tarachand Jain, MLA Udaipur Rural Shri Phool Singh Meena, and Hindustan Zinc’s CEO, Shri Arun Misra.

A special run was organized for over 100 differently-abled participants from Hindustan Zinc’s Jeevan Tarang program, adding a unique touch to the event. The route, which passed around Fateh Sagar Lake and through the Aravalli Ranges, provided runners with breathtaking views of Udaipur’s landmarks, like Maharana Pratap Smarak and Neemuch Mata Mandir.

The competition saw remarkable performances across the categories. In the men’s 21 km race, Rohit Bansiwal from Tonk, Rajasthan, emerged victorious, followed by Victor Kurgat and Gopal Bairwa. For the women’s 21 km, Delhi’s Madina Paul secured first place, with Sonal Sukhwal and Khushi Pahwa taking the runner-up positions.

The 10 km men’s race saw Ajit Kumar from Jhunjhunu win, while Khushboo from Didwana took the top spot in the women’s category. All participants received medals crafted from the high-quality zinc produced by Hindustan Zinc, celebrating the city’s rich heritage.

The Company CEO, Shri Arun Misra, a participant in the 21 km race, expressed his excitement about the marathon’s success. “This event has firmly established Udaipur on the global marathon stage. Running amidst the stunning scenery of Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli Ranges, combined with the message of #RunForZeroHunger, has made this one of the most beautiful marathons in the world,” he said.

The event not only promoted fitness and community spirit but also underscored Udaipur’s rich heritage and commitment to fighting malnutrition. Participants and spectators alike were inspired by the seamless organization and the unifying sense of purpose.

Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, continues to lead in sustainability and innovation within the global zinc market, with a strong focus on ESG practices and a commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. The success of the City Half Marathon has left participants excited for future editions, promising to make it a marquee event in India’s running calendar.