Sylhet has witnessed its first-ever full marathon, marking a new milestone in the city’s history. The “July Marathon 2026,” organised by the Sylhet Runners Club on Friday, July 24, 2026, marked the beginning of this historic achievement.
Although half-marathons and various other running events have previously been held in Sylhet, this was the first full marathon in the city’s history.
More than a hundred marathon runners from different parts of the country took part in the event and became part of the historic milestone. In a festive atmosphere from early morning, the runners started the race from Sylhet’s Keane Bridge.
The marathon route passed through Keane Bridge, Bandar Bazar, Zindabazar, Chowhatta, Amberkhana and Airport Road before continuing along the Sadapathar Road and finishing in front of Lakkatura Stadium.
Members of the Sylhet Cycling Club, Sylhet Skating Club and Sylhet Bikers Club worked as volunteers along the entire route to ensure the event was conducted safely and in an organised manner.
Medical assistance was provided to participating runners by Sylhet Health Center, while Save Sylhet’s Emergency Response Team and Sylhet Wonder Women were responsible for overall volunteer coordination.
The organisers said the initiative was aimed at increasing health awareness in Sylhet, developing a culture of regular running and building an international-standard running community.
The Sylhet Runners Club regularly organises running workshops, training sessions and running events of various distances.
The organisation has already begun preparations for the international-standard “Sylhet Marathon,” scheduled to be held on November 20, 2026. The organisers are targeting the participation of more than 3,000 runners from Bangladesh and abroad.
Interested individuals will also have the opportunity to become members of the Sylhet Runners Club and take part in regular running workshops, training programmes and various events.
Dr Ayan Muminul Haque, founder of the Sylhet Runners Club, said, “Our goal is to build a healthier, more aware and active Sylhet. Running is not just a sport; it is part of a healthy lifestyle. We want to promote Sylhet as a stronger brand at home and abroad through running. Insha’Allah, we will continue working to place Sylhet on the global running map by organising larger international-standard events in the future. Running should be encouraged at every level of society to ensure a healthy life for all.”
Sports enthusiasts believe that Sylhet’s first-ever full marathon will play an important role in promoting sports, health awareness, tourism and the city’s international profile in the future.
