DBM kollam marathon

About this place

The Desinganad Backwaters Marathon (DBM) is a major running event in Kollam organized by the Soles of Kollam Runners Club, a running community established in 2017 to promote healthy living and develop a running culture in the district. The marathon is popularly associated with Kollam’s own running tradition and is known as Kerala’s monsoon marathon, with the event traditionally held in July. The fifth edition, KIMSHEALTH DBM 2026, was held on 12 July 2026 at Asramam Ground, Kollam, bringing together experienced runners, beginners, families and fitness enthusiasts for a professionally organised road-running experience. The 2026 edition featured three categories: a 21.1 km Half Marathon, 10 km Run and 3 km Fun Run, providing different levels of participation for competitive runners as well as people seeking a shorter community fitness experience. The Half Marathon was a timed race beginning at 4:30 AM, followed by the 10 km race at 5:15 AM and the 3 km Fun Run at 7:00 AM. The Fun Run was particularly intended to encourage families, children and older participants to take part in the event. One of the defining features of DBM is its scenic Kollam route, which connects the running experience with some of the district’s most recognisable landscapes and landmarks. The official event description highlights routes passing through the Asramam area, alongside the Ashtamudi Backwaters, towards the historic Thangassery Lighthouse, through fishing communities around Vaadi and along views associated with the Arabian Sea. This combination of running and landscape gives DBM a distinctive character compared with conventional city road races. Beyond competitive running, DBM places strong emphasis on health and wellness. The 2026 edition carried the slogan “Arise, Awake, Align your mind” and was promoted around the relationship between regular physical activity and mental well-being, with particular attention to encouraging healthier lifestyles among younger people. The event therefore combines sporting participation with a broader message about physical activity, community involvement and healthy living. The event also provides a structured race environment with timing systems, age categories, participant support and facilities at the venue. The Half Marathon and 10 km races have separate male and female age categories, while participants receive event-related race materials and finishers' recognition. The Asramam Ground venue provides participant facilities including a baggage counter, first-aid support, physiotherapy, toilets, drinking water, ambulance availability and refreshments. For visitors and running enthusiasts, the Desinganad Backwaters Marathon offers an opportunity to experience Kollam through an active sporting event while taking in its backwaters, coastal scenery and historic surroundings. The combination of professionally organised races, community participation and scenic routes has helped establish DBM as an important part of Kollam’s running calendar. Overall, the Desinganad Backwaters Marathon represents the growing running culture of Kollam, bringing together fitness, competitive sport, mental-wellness awareness and the distinctive landscapes of Kerala’s historic coastal and backwater region in one major community running event.

🚆 Nearest Railway: Kollam Junction Railway Station (~1.5 km)

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (~70 km)

🚌 Bus: Kollam KSRTC Bus Stand (~1 km)

🏨 Stay: The Raviz; The Quilon Beach Hotel & Resort; Hotel NANI; Hotel Sea Pearl

✅ Notes: Desinganad Backwaters Marathon (DBM) is Kollam’s annual monsoon marathon, with the 2026 fifth edition held at Asramam Ground and featuring 21.1 km, 10 km and 3 km runs.