Mysuru Marathon 2025 was not just about fitness.
It was also about documenting the maiden marathon through philatelic material.
Karnataka Postal Circle did something smart.
They recorded the event using three structured philatelic items.
Each item marks a stage of the marathon.
Before. During. And completion.
If you collect modern sports philately, these are materials you should not miss.
📮 1. Countdown Begins
Picture Postcard Released on 11.08.2025
The story starts early.
On 11 August 2025, a Picture Postcard and the official logo of Mysuru Marathon 2025 were unveiled at Bengaluru GPO.
This postcard is the official countdown marker.
Key details:
- Released at Bengaluru GPO
- Marks the announcement phase of the marathon
- Features the official Mysuru Marathon 2025 branding
- Focus on runners, movement, and Mysuru’s identity
This is not decorative material.
It establishes event intent.
🏃♂️ 2. On the Run
Postman Marathon Runner Carried Picture Postcard – 26.10.2025
This is where philately meets action.
On 26 October 2025, postal employees ran the marathon while carrying picture postcards.
The mail literally moved with the runners.
Technical details:
- Date: 26.10.2025
- Artwork by S. Sivabalan
- Produced with Postal Printing and Welfare Society of India and PostcardVille
- Route illustrated on the card:
- Start & finish: PTC Campus, Mysuru
- Midpoint: Mahishasura Statue on Chamundi Hills
Postal usage:
- Sent by Speed Post
- Permanent Pictorial Cancellation from PTC Mysuru – 570010
- Cancelled with ₹6 Bismillah Khan commemorative stamps
- Addressed to Puri, delivery postmark present on the reverse
This postcard is not symbolic.
It is logistical proof of the event.
📬 3. The Centrepiece
Postman Marathon Runner Carried Special Cover – 26.10.2025
This is the highlight.
The Postman Marathon Runner Carried Special Cover documents the event’s completion.
Front side:
- Image of mascot of Mysuru Marathon
- Line art of marathon mascot in pictorial cancellation
- Permanent Pictorial Cancellation of PTC Mysuru – 570010
Dispatch details:
- Dispatched from Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle (Camp at PTC Mysuru), Mysuru (570010)
- Location: PTC Mysuru
- Date: 26.10.2025
Reverse side:
- Description of the marathon
- Sender address
- Same-day delivery postmark from Chamundi Betta Sub Office
This cover is not a souvenir.
It is a complete postal record.
Closing Notes
Karnataka Postal Circle deserves clear appreciation for thoughtfully planning multiple philatelic items around this event. By ensuring proper cancellations and arranging Speed Post dispatch, they turned the marathon into meaningful postal history as well as a revenue-generating initiative.
This approach sets a strong example for future events and for other postal circles to follow.
Marathons end in hours.
Mail lasts decades.
Mysuru Marathon 2025 shows that India Post still knows how to document living events the right way.
And sometimes, the mail runs too.
