New generation in Saidpur

The Northern Half Marathon 2025 was created with a clear mission: to take the love and benefits of running beyond major cities and into rural communities and remote areas of Bangladesh. It became the first AIMS member and World Athletics-certified event in northern Bangladesh, and was later honoured with the Gold Award as Bangladesh’s Best Running Event by Sports Bangla for fulfilling the essential standards of a quality running event.

The journey has already experienced Bangladesh’s diverse seasons—from the heavy rain of Saidpur 10K 2024, to the hot and humid conditions of Northern Half 2025. In 2026, the race moves to 25 December, embracing the cool winter season.

But the move to December is about more than weather. The Northern Marathon has a special goal: to bring at least 200 school and college students into organised running. Through outreach to educational institutions, the organisers aim to introduce young people to running as a way to build health, discipline and an active lifestyle. The December school and college vacation also makes it easier for students and families to travel and participate together.

With a deliberately limited field of around 1,000–1,100 runners, Northern Marathon 2026 will focus on quality over quantity, with strong attention to runner experience, hospitality, safety and event standards.

From Saidpur 10K to Northern Half Marathon, and now Northern Marathon, the vision remains the same: spread the love of running, reach more communities and inspire a new generation to run.