This is true. Jharkhand tourism department has taken an innovative step to organise Hill Marathon.

The event is set to take place at the Netarhat location in Latehar district of Jharkhand on January 25th, 2026.

The move is part to celebrate National Tourism Day. This step is aimed at establishing Netarhat as a new sports tourism location.

Netarhat,located at a height of 1,128 metres (3,701 ft above sea level), is among the highest points of the Chotanagpur plateau. It is known for its natural beauty of hills, forest and waterfalls.Its home to tribal communities, including the Asur, Oraon, Munda, and Ho.

As part of a broader effort to capitalize on the growing global demand for sports tourism, this marathon is expected to become a major draw for those seeking active travel experiences. 

With a designed move to showcase Netarhat as a sports tourism hub, the marathon is planned to  help foster interest in adventure sports and fitness travel, offering new avenues for tourism growth in Jharkhand.

The Netarhat Hill Marathon also aims to encourage community participation and sports culture by offering free registration for 50 participants from economically weaker sections.

This move is designed to promote sports tourism inclusivity, ensuring that local youth can engage with the growing culture of sports-based travel. 

By offering opportunities for the local community to be directly involved, the marathon will foster long-term engagement with the tourism sector, creating a local connection to the larger sports tourism movement.