Fitness, fun and a marathon on two wheels: Pedal power takes over city streets

Before the sun rose at 4 a.m., Kolkata’s streets hummed with the quiet thrill of cyclists ready to ride. Riders from the city and beyond pedaled through the still-dark roads, their lights cutting through the pre-dawn gloom.

Live music, cheering spectators, and the energy of thousands of riders turned the streets into a moving mosaic of sound, color, and pure joy by sunrise.

A thrilling cycling experience

For participants, the marathon was as much about the joy of cycling as it was about competition, with riders of all ages and skill levels pedalling through the city and soaking in the vibrant energy around them. “I’m 42 and recently took up cycling as a hobby. I’ve done other marathons, but participating in such a large-scale, timed event felt amazing,” said Papia Sarkar.

The thrill was heightened by the live band playing the national anthem at the start, which set the tone for an exhilarating ride, according to Sourav Gupta, a CA and marathoner.

Arnab, a local cycle club member, added a personal touch, saying, “I chose an outfit representing my city - from Rabindranath Tagore to the Howrah Bridge. Being able to showcase Kolkata while cycling made the experience even more exciting.”

More women on the move

One of the most exciting aspects of the day was seeing more women embrace cycling.

From young professionals to seasoned riders, the streets were full of female cyclists confidently taking on the course. “I see more and more women joining cycling, marathons, and sports every day, and I hope even more will participate,” said Sanga Chatterjee, an IT engineer. Sarika Adhikari, an IT professional who secured second place in the 34–60 age category for the 50 km ride, added, “Cycling is such a fun sport, and it’s incredible to see so many women out here today.

With the supportive communities we have now, every woman should try it — it’s great for health and builds confidence.”

“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together on their bikes, enjoying the ride while celebrating fitness and community. Every pedal makes a difference - for health, for fun, and for the joy of being part of something bigger.”-

Leander Paes, tennis legend and Olympic medallist.

“Cycling brings people together in such a unique way. I’m thrilled to be here and share this experience with fellow riders. There’s nothing like the energy of a city pedalling together”

- Usha Uthup, singer and cultural ambassador of Kolkata