The State Bank of India (SBI), in collaboration with Mirchi, announced the launch of the 5th Edition of the Green Marathon, set to take place across 12 cities between November and February. This season, the marathon carried the powerful theme of "Beyond Finish Lines," focusing not only on promoting a healthy lifestyle but also on inspiring sustainable practices that continue long after the race is over.

The success of the previous 4 seasons is evident with the huge participation of runners and environment enthusiasts. This year, SBI Green Marathon expanded to the beautiful city of Visakhapatnam for the first time.

This attempt was a successful one as more than 3500 participants gathered at the scenic Rama Krishna Beach or RK Beach on the morning of 17th November 2024. The participation is a testament to the fact that the people of Visakhapatnam are keen to go beyond finish lines and wish to live a greener tomorrow.

Participants in the SBI Green Marathon expected a uniquely green experience right from the starting line. As part of their registration, they received organic T-shirts and plant-able BIBs, ensuring the race leaves no unnecessary waste behind. With categories including 5K, 10K, and 21K, the marathon welcomes runners of all levels. The certification by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), adds a global stamp of credibility and appeal.

The marathon in general aims to do more than just get participants across the finish line. "Beyond Finish Lines" is a call to action, encouraging runners to view themselves as agents of positive change. Every step taken in this eco-friendly marathon is a stride toward building a greener, healthier future. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially, attracting increasing numbers of participants committed to making a difference—not only through running but also by adopting sustainable habits in their everyday lives.

RJ Farhat and RJ Anusha from Mirchi Visakhapatnam hosted the event ensuring the participants are charged up and engaged for the run. Alongside, ambassadors (ADD NAMES) from the running community were actively involved at the venue engaging with participants and cheering them on. Their enthusiasm added to the electric atmosphere, ensuring the experience to be as fun as it was meaningful. To make the run even more rewarding, participants were gratified with cash prizes for top performers, hot breakfast, and goodie bags packed with healthy and sustainable surprises.

Taking sustainability to the next level and staying true to their message of a greener tomorrow, SBI and Mirchi partnered with Skrap as their waste management agency to handle waste generated during the event responsibly. This initiative reflected the organizers' ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting transparency, ensuring every aspect of the marathon aligns with its green ethos.

The 5th Edition of the SBI Green Marathon aims to leave a lasting impact—not just on the goal but on the journey, where sustainability is the prime focus. It’s not just a race but a paradigm shift, showing that real change happens when actions go beyond the finish lines.

To conclude, it’s safe to say that the debut edition of SBI Green Marathon in association with Mirchi in the scenic city of Visakhapatnam was a sustainable success.c

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