Sports 11 November 2026
Puri to Host India’s First 'Road-Plus-Sand' Coastal Marathon with ₹1 Crore Prize Purse
Why in the News?
The coastal city of Puri in Odisha is set to host India's first-ever **'road-plus-sand' marathon**, titled the **OMC Puri Coastal Marathon**, on **Sunday, December 13, 2026**, offering a total prize purse of **₹1 crore**.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Event & Categories:
- **Title Sponsor:** Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
- **4 Race Categories:** 42K, 21K, 10K, and 5K (Beach Run).
- Registration Deadline: **November 14, 2026**.
- Unique Scenic Route:
- Highlights an exclusive 5K beach section, serene trails along the Nuanai River, and coastal landscapes surrounding the Blackbuck Sanctuary.
- Prominent Support & Ambassadors:
- Endorsed by Bollywood personalities (Ajay Devgn, Rajkummar Rao, Kapil Sharma) and sports icons including Olympic Gold Medallist **Abhinav Bindra**, Anuradha Biswal, and fitness ambassador **Milind Soman**.
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Static GK Facts:
- State of Odisha:
- Capital: **Bhubaneswar** | Chief Minister: **Mohan Charan Majhi** (In office since June 12, 2024; first CM from the Santhal tribal community) | Governor: **Braj Mohan Ram** (Appointed in October 2026).
- Puri: Home to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple and the Blue Flag-certified Golden Beach.
- Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC):
- Established: **1956** (Gold Category State PSU) | Headquarters: **Bhubaneswar**.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: Which city will host India's first-ever 'road-plus-sand' marathon on December 13, 2026?
A: Puri, Odisha
Q: Who is the current Chief Minister of Odisha, serving as the 15th CM and the first from the Santhal tribal community?
A: Mohan Charan Majhi
Q: Who was appointed as the Governor of Odisha in October 2026?
A: Braj Mohan Ram
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