Marathon History

Pune was initially popular as the “Oxford of the east”. It was also well known as the “Cultural capital of the state”. However in recent times since 1994, the city has catapulted to be known as the “Sports city of the country” and the credit mainly goes to the successful 30 editions of Pune International Marathon. The marathon began way back in 1918 when the famous Deccan Gymkhana hosted the first meeting of the Indian Olympic Association. This was followed by organization of the first ever national marathon of the country in 1919. The event is still considered as a milestone in the annuals of Indian Sports.

We introduce ourselves as the premier institute organizing field sports in the country since 30years. We have been conducting the prestigious “Pune International Marathon” for the past 30 years with full zeal an enthusiasm. The PIM (Pune International Marathon) is an annual international foot race held in Pune. It all started in the year 1983; it was the first edition and the first ever Indian International Marathon. PIM attracts many International participants, who compete with national and local runners. In its 30th year, this event attracted almost over 40,000 participants from India and 35 countries around the world every year. We have approximately 15 lakh runners in the event till date including Late Rajiv Gandhi, Milkha Singh, PT Usha, Kapil Dev Leander Peas & many other dignitaries.

The record of PIM in the Men’s Category is in the name of Kenya’s Joseph Kahugu with timing of 2hrs:13min: 00 and women’s category in the name of Kenya’s Caroline Kilel with the timing 1hrs:10min: 17sec. During this journey we conducted Asian Marathon Championship in the year 2010.

The PIM event is recognized as the national championship and an international event where Indians have been brushing the shoulders with the leading International marathoners. The said event has given a boost to the Indian long distance runners and we can proudly share the name of some runners from Maharshatra namely Kavita Raut (Silver – Common Wealth Games & Asian Games); Sudha Singh (Gold – Asian Games); Mohini Raut & Rohini Raut (Gold and Silver respectively -Asian Games- Cross Country); Pooja Warade (Steeplechase- Asian Junior). This event is a boon for Maharashtra as, out of top16 national women runners 12 are from Maharashtra.

The event has a special theme every year; it is not only about sports but has a social message with a Run for my city- Pune run. We would like to share some of the themes namely:

  • Run for Fun & Fitness which created a sports culture.
  • Fight against Polio.
  • Run against AIDS.
  • Run for Mother- Save the girl Child.
  • Run for VDIS- For the publicity of income tax voluntary disclosure scheme.
  • Run for Olympic Support.
  • Relief fund for the Kargil Martyrs & storm affected people of Andhra Pradesh.

The dignitaries of India including the Prime Minister of Indian have flagged off the event, namely: Late Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, Late Shri. I K Gujral, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Late Shri Vilas Rao Deshmukh, Shri Shashi Tharul, Shri. Manohar Joshi, Shri. Farroq Abdullah, Shri. Vijay Goyal, Shri Mukund Wasnik, Shri. Narayan Rane etc.

The Marathon Committee has felicitated & presented the cash awards to Indian Sports Players who have brought the glory to India include: Shri. Milkha Singh, Smt. PT Usha, Shri. Kapil Dev, Shri. Sunil Gavaskar, Shri. Dhanraj Pillay, Smt. Anju Bobby George, Shri. Prakash Padukone, Shri. Kirti Azad etc.

Some of the Indian Celebrities who share the presence in the Run for my city- Pune event include: Shashi Kapoor, Rakhi , Late Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Rahul Bose etc.

The PIM team has not only created a sports culture but many land marks. It started with Balewadi; we played a major role in building up the Shiv Chattrapati Krida Nagari for the National Games in 1994. We also have taken the responsibility and successfully conducted:

  • The Common Wealth Youth Games, Pune-2008.
  • Asian Cross Country & Asian Grand Prix meet.
  • International Athletics Associations Permit meets.
  • A successful Asian Athletic Championship in a record 22 days after the venue was shifted from Chennai to Pune at the eleventh hour.
  • For the youth, a jumping academy at the Marathon Bhavan.

One of our major agenda is “Sportsman’s Hermitage”. This project rather the only project in the world will be for the retired old sportsmen of national/international repute who are without support to sustain them and create a shelter for them during the sunset of their life. These sportsmen will be again leading a life of respect by coaching the young generation at Hermitage coaching center. The land has already been procured and the all preliminaries before construction already completed with actual construction to start shortly. International Olympic Association Ex President Jack Rogue has congratulated us on this unique and the only project in the world.

The PIM is the People Movement of Pune for the last 30 years under the able guidance of Shri. Sharad Pawar jee - Ex. BCCI President , Shri. Suresh Kalmadi jee – Ex. President IOA, Shri. Adille Sumariwala- Ex. Olympian & Arjuna Awardee, Shri. Pralhad Sawant - Ex. Vice President AFI, Shri. Abhay Chajjed – Chattrapati Awardee, Shri. Atul Chordiya – Ex. National Moto Rider & Ex. Sq. Leader Raj Gulathi – International Weightlifting Official.