DBM 2026 | Desinganad Backwaters Marathon – July 13

DBM 2025 Highlights

About Us

Have you heard of the historical Malayalam proverb “Kollam Kandavanu Illam Venda” meaning “He who has seen Kollam needs no home," implying the city is so charming, welcoming, and beautiful that visitors feel at home, often forgetting their own. Historically, this phrase highlights Kollam's significance as a major ancient trading port, attracting visitors with its scenic backwaters and prosperous, welcoming culture. And with the fifth Edition of Desinganad Backwaters Marathon (DBM 2026), Soles of Kolam Runners Club once again prove the cultural significance of the above proverb by proudly presenting the fifth edition of Desinganad Backwaters Marathon (DBM) which will be held on 12 July, 2026. A run which will take you through Ashramam-the oxygen hub of Kollam, the aesthetic beauty of Ashtamudi Backwaters, the reminiscence of Portuguese and the enchanting lighthouse of Thangassery, the iconic fishing hamlets at Vaadi and the scenic beauty of the Arabian Sea coupled with a stride through the royal paths of the cashew city- which will feel like that you are at a home away from home. The categories of the DBM 2026 are Half Marathon (21.1Kms), 10 Kms and Fun Run (3 Kms).

KIMSHEALTH DBM 2026

DBM 2026 (DESINGANAD BACKWATERS MARATHON) is primarily conducted with the aim of improving the mental health of individuals - which will bring down the suicide tendency among people. It is a proven fact that people with strong mental health are leading a happy life and are strong enough to handle difficult situations in life. With this object in mind this year’s DBM carry the slogan “Arise, Awake, AIign your mind” - regular physical activity leads to a healthy body and a healthy mind - which can definitely bring down the menace of the increasing suicide tendency -specially among the younger generation. Let us together bring in the culture to a healthy life style and thereby a healthy mind.

DBM SUCCESS STORY

Desinganad Backwaters Marathon (DBM) first edition was conducted on 10 Jul 2022. The event was spectacular in all sense - be the number of participants – both Indian nationals and Foreigners, the scenic route of the event, the foolproof arrangements, the overwhelming participation and support of local people, - DBM made an impact in the history of Kollam and the people of Kollam was impressed with the first professional marathon in their City. They realised that running can bring so much fun and excitement besides its health benefits. DBM received lot of accolades from the runners fraternity and local peoples alike. DBM 2022 was just a beginning...

After successfully conducting the second, third and fourth editions of DBM, we are now moving forward with the fifth edition of DBM, scheduled for Sunday, July 12, 2026. Known as the monsoon marathon of Kerala, DBM is conducted on the second Sunday of every July. We at Kollam start the marathon season in Kerala.

HISTORY OF DBM

Soles of Kollam Runners Club was formed in the year 2017 with the aim to encourage people to take up healthy living by running and also to spread the benefits of running to the people of Kollam. The club was successful in its mission by adding 250+ members aboard who run or take up other health related activities on a daily basis. Soles of Kollam was instrumental in bringing up the running culture among Kollamites. DBM is popularly known as “ കൊല്ലത്തിൻറെ സ്വന്തം മാരത്തോൺ ” (Kollam’s Own Marathon).

After the successful Conduct of First, Second, third, Fourth Editions of DBM, we are happy to announce the Fifth edition of DBM.

DBM REVIEW

VENUE

The venue for the Desinganad Backwaters Marathon (DBM) 2026 –5th Edition will be Asramam Ground, Kollam, Kerala. The Asramam ground is located at 1.5 Kms from Kollam Railway Station and just one Kilometre away from the KSRTC Bus stand, Kollam. The nearest airport is Trivandrum which is around 70 Kms away. The venue is inclusive of a participant’s area, baggage counter, first-aid, physiotherapy unit, toilet facilities, a stage for live after-event music, drinking water facilities, ambulances on standby, BreakFast Counters etc.

The event also seeks to promote good health & wellness across the state & provide an opportunity for beginners and seasoned runners to come together to celebrate running.

Categories

DBM 2026 will have the following categories of Run

Half Marathon (21.1 KMS)

This is a timed run with timing chip. The run will start at 4.30 AM from Ashramam Ground, Kollam. The runners need to ensure that they cross the two readers kept along the route. The Volunteers will assist you in case of any help. The cut off time of the Half Marathon will be 8.00 AM. All participants running after 8.00 AM in the running course will have to board the sweeping vehicles. The results of Half Marathon will be declared separately for Male and Female and also for age categories (up to 39 years, 40 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years and 65 years and above). All results and timings will be on Net Time and not Gun Time.

Registration Fee

Rs. 950

(The Registration fee includes - Branded T-shirt, BIB, Medal...)

10 KMS RUN

This is a timed run with timing chip. The run will start at 5.15 AM from Ashramam Ground, Kollam. The runners need to ensure that they cross the readers kept along the route. The Volunteers will assist you in case of any help. The cut off time of the 10 KM will be 7.30 AM. All participants running after 7.30 AM in the running course will have to board the sweeping vehicles. The results of 10 KM run will be declared separately for Male and Female and also for age categories (up to 39 years, 40 to 54 years, 55 to 64 years and 65 years and above). All results and timings will be on Net Time and not Gun Time.

Registration Fee

Rs. 700

(The Registration fee includes - Branded T-shirt, BIB, Medal...)

Fun Run – 3 KMS

The Fun Run will start at 7.00 AM. This is a fun run mainly focused to encourage family members, children and old aged people to participate the event. There is no cut off time for this category. But participants are requested to complete the run before 8.15 AM. All successful finishers will be issued with medals and Finishers Certificate (e-certificate).