Action from the 15th SKF Goa river marathon.
VASCO
The SKF Goa River Marathon 2025 returned this December, transforming Goa’s tranquil riverside belt in Chicalim into a vibrant stage where fitness, festivity and freedom ran side by side.
The event from December 13 to 15 has proved to be the State’s most scenic and spirited sporting showcase, bringing together runners, wellness enthusiasts, tourists and local communities for a weekend steeped in energy and emotion.
Organised by the Vasco Sports Club, the marathon continued its growth from its humble beginnings in 2010 into a globally recognised, AIMS-certified event that now attracts participants from over 42 countries.
On Sunday, an estimated 6000 participants with 28 percent women participants lined up across five race categories — the 42K Full Marathon, 32K Endurance Run, 21K Half Marathon, 10K Run, and 5K Fun Walk — each unfolding along the picturesque riverside route that has long defined the identity of the event. Palm-lined stretches, cheering neighbourhoods, and the gentle sweep of the Zuari created a course that was as much an experience as it was a challenge.
Celebrating athletes
Petra Pastorova of the Czech Republic and Nilesh Kulaye of Ratnagiri won the prestigious 42km full marathon at the 15th SKF Goa river marathon on Sunday. While, Petra, six-time national marathon champion in the Czech Republic clocked 3:04:29 hrs, Nilesh clocked an impressive 2:48:52 hrs for the distance.
42km Women’s winners [from left to right] Sharmila Kadam (third), Petra Pastorova (first) and Jasmitha Kodenkiri (second).
The prize distribution ceremony honoured top performers, age-category champions, pacers, and special achievers who embodied the spirit of endurance and determination.
Marathon with a Mission
At its heart, the Goa River Marathon remained anchored to a simple and powerful objective: to promote healthy living, outdoor movement, and a renewed connection with Goa’s natural landscape. What began as a local initiative evolved into a movement that celebrated fitness as a way of life, encouraging amateurs and professionals alike to step outdoors, push their boundaries, and feel the thrill of community-driven sport.
This year’s edition deepened that philosophy with a curated three-day format designed to engage runners beyond the race itself — from nutrition-focused gatherings and cultural showcases to immersive recovery sessions that blended wellness with celebration.
The Marathon Weekend Experience
CARB-LOADING FIESTA (DEC 13): The festival opened with a unique flavourful twist — a carb-loading experience where renowned chefs and bakers crafted energising dishes tailored for runners. From rich pastas and wholesome salads to artisanal Goan breads, the event blended gastronomic delight with sports nutrition. With only limited passes made available, the fiesta offered a cosy yet spirited pre-race celebration where runners fuelled up and forged new friendships.
THE MARATHON EXPERIENCE (DEC 14): The second day marked the heart of the event. As the sun rose over the Zuari, runners took off to write their own stories — some chasing personal bests, others soaking in the sunrise while enjoying the camaraderie of thousands moving with a shared purpose. The riverside route, known for its scenic flow and supportive crowds, once again delivered a memorable run for athletes across all categories.
RECOVERY RAVE (DEC 14): Goa even turned recovery into a celebration. The post-race Recovery Rave featured ice-bath stations, wellness lounges, live DJs and calming corners where runners unwound. With limited entry of only limited passes, the rave brought together fitness and festivity in true Goan style. 
42km Men’s winners [from left to right] Vinayak Jambotkar (third), Nilesh Kulaye (first) and Nitin Tumbada (second).
Technology behind the scenes
Every major running event today relied not just on human spirit but also on technological finesse — and the SKF Goa River Marathon stood at the forefront.
TIMING TECHNOLOGIES: India’s pioneer in RFID sports timing, Timing Technologies, once again powered the backbone of the event. Their high-end systems ensured spot-on, real-time tracking, with multiple split points strategically placed along the route to capture each athlete’s progress from start to finish. These split points allowed organisers, families, and coaches to follow runners across the entire track with exceptional accuracy.
The hallmark of their service remained the promise of live, spot and accurate results — a feature that helped the marathon gain global credibility. The moment runners crossed the finish line, their clocked time was processed instantly, enabling both organisers and participants to receive verified results without delay.
INSTANT WHATSAPP UPDATES: Adding to the seamless experience, participants received immediate WhatsApp messages carrying their official finishing time, split details, and ranking the moment they completed their respective run. This instant-feedback system enhanced transparency and boosted the sense of achievement at the finish line.
SMOOTH DIGITAL JOURNEY: Further elevating the digital experience was iFinish, the official registration partner. From fast and user-friendly sign-ups to live event tracking and instant results access, iFinish streamlined a participant’s entire journey. The integration between iFinish and Timing Technologies ensured every runner enjoyed a frictionless transition from registration to race day.
Bib Expo: A complete runner experience
The Bib Expo, held ahead of the race, served as the primary touchpoint where participants collected their bibs, race kits and event merchandise. The expo featured counters for category-wise bib distribution, help desks for technical clarifications, nutrition stalls, and partner showcases including footwear brands, fitness technology, energy drink companies and wellness services.
Action from the 21km half marathon at the 15th SKF Goa river marathon.
Volunteers trained by Vasco Sports Club managed smooth crowd flow, while digital kiosks equipped with iFinish support allowed participants to double-check their registrations and view route maps. Timing Technologies also showcased their RFID systems, giving runners a behind-the-scenes look at how race-day accuracy was maintained.
Sponsor ecosystem
The event was headlined by SKF as the main title sponsor, supported by others representing various categories. Their collective contribution strengthened the marathon’s position as a premier athletic event and an economic stimulant for local tourism.
