20,000+ runners participated in the 8th Edition of Manipal Marathon, organised by MAHE

Manipal, February 08, 2026: The 8th edition of the Manipal marathon concluded successfully at KMC Greens, Manipal, on 8th February 2026, organised by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence and Deemed to be University. One of India’s largest student-led community fitness events, the Manipal marathon attracted 20,000+ runners, including 100+ International athletes, competing across categories for a prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs.

Reinforcing MAHE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, this year’s focus theme was “Miles for a Greener Tomorrow- Run for a Sustainable Future”. The event successfully aligned with MAHE’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, such as tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, solar energy utilisation, waste management, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable mobility, extending the impact beyond campus into the larger community.

Addressing the massive crowd of participants for the marathon, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, highlighted, “The overwhelming response to the 8th edition of Manipal Marathon demonstrates MAHE's vision of fostering holistic development that extends beyond academics. By bringing together over 20,000 runners, we are not just promoting fitness and wellness but also reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. What began as a student initiative has blossomed into one of India's largest community fitness events, attracting international participation from over 10 countries.”

100+ International athletes participated in the event with great excitement and enthusiasm, representing Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA, further strengthening the event’s global profile. However, the highlight of today’s event remains the scenic beachside route for the 42K runners, offering a blissful, memorable running experience. Additionally, the newly introduced 10K route includes the Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC), Manipal, further strengthening the marathon’s enduring focus on social impact and community engagement.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, along with Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor (Mangalore Campus), Dr Anand Venugopal, Chief Operating Officer, Operations, Dr Gopalakrishna Prabhu, Vice Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University, and other officials of MAHE. 

With MAHE’s growing focus on equity and inclusivity, the Manipal marathon also included dedicated categories, which witnessed active participation from (xxx) differently abled and visually challenged runners, with age-wise classification.

MAHE expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the title sponsors for the day, including ICICI Bank, UNEXT, Deloitte, BOBCARD, and all other sponsors, for their continued support in making Manipal Marathon 2026 a mammoth success.

The names of winners across various categories are:

42K Fastest Male

1 Sathish Kumar

2 Sachin Poojari

3 Desye Endalew

42 Fastest Female

1 Senait Kefelegn Lesharge

2 Yenealem Ayano Buli

3 Neeti Kriplani

21K Fastest Male

1 Rijwan Ali

2 Shashwath Rajesh Poojary

3 Nalinakshan Kizhakkedath

21K Fastest Female

1 Bhawana Negi

2 Nandini G

3 Rutuja Patil

10K Fastest Male

1 Shivanand Chigari

2 Shreedhara SN

3 Mubarak R Dantali

10K Fastest Female

1 Shahin S Dharwad

2 Shreya Moodekallu

3 Chaithra TP

5K Fastest Male

1 Nagaraj Divate

2 Ranga

3 Manjunath Belurappanavar

5K Fastest Female

1 Nagini Nagini

2 HV Deeksha

3 Rekha B.P. Basappa Piroji

The event concluded with a vibrant post-run carnival by fitness enthusiasts and students, featuring music and interactive fitness and Zumba sessions to celebrate the Manipal Marathon.