Bangladesh’s longest ultra-marathon, ‘Coastal Ultra 2025’, will take place on February 20 to 22 at the scenic Marine Drive in the tourist hub of Cox’s Bazar aiming to promote eco-friendly coastal tourism, sustainable development, and marine ecosystem.
Organized by the non-profit volunteer organisqation ‘Coastal Ultra Bangladesh’, the theme of the marathon is “Save the Ocean, Save the Earth," reported UNB.
For the first time in Bangladesh’s running history, a 200-kilometre ultra-marathon will be held. ‘Coastal Ultra Bangladesh’ announced this milestone in a press release.
The event is designed to promote sports tourism, encourage environmentally responsible travel, and raise awareness about coastal ecosystem conservation and marine biodiversity protection.
Through such events, ‘Coastal Ultra Bangladesh’aims to brand Bangladesh on the global stage.
Ultra-marathons, or ultra runs, are long-distance races that exceed the traditional marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers.
The shortest ultra-marathon category is typically 50 kilometres.
In recent years, ultra-marathons have gained immense popularity worldwide. Neighbouring countries frequently host ultra-marathons in various locations, using such events to promote their cities and landscapes while fostering a culture of endurance sports.
In this prestigious ultra-marathon, approximately 400 national and international runners will participate.
They were selected based on strict qualification standards that meet international criteria.
To support them, some 250 volunteers will be actively involved.
The event features four race categories: 50 kilometers, 100 kilometers, 100 miles, and 200 kilometers.
Participation is entirely free, and all necessary services will be provided to runners at no cost.
Igloo Ice Cream, Guardian Life Insurance, Orion Group, SIM Group, Beacon Pharmaceuticals, E-Learning & Earning Ltd., and Nazihar IT Solutions Ltd are sponsoring the event.
The event’s community partners include ‘Vertical Dreamers’, one of the country’s leading mountaineering clubs, and ‘Hemonto Riders’, a prominent cycling group.
The charity partners are ‘Pawmang Shishu Sadan’, a children’s home in Champajhiri Para, Lama, Bandarban, and the humanitarian organization ‘Half Mad Human’.
The event is being organised with the support of Bangladesh Tourism Board, Bangladesh Athletics Federation, and Cox’s Bazar District Administration.
