Manipal, February 02, 2026: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is all set to host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, 08 February 2026, from 5:00 a.m. onwards at KMC Greens, Manipal. Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon 2026 is expected to bring together over 20,000 runners, including 100+ international athletes, competing for a prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs.
Anchored in the theme “Miles for a Greener Tomorrow” with the inspiring call to “Run for a Sustainable Future,” this year’s marathon reinforces MAHE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusive fitness, and community well-being. The event aligns with MAHE’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, such as tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, solar energy utilisation, waste management, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable mobility, extending their impact beyond campus into the larger community.
The marathon will feature five race categories: 42K Full Marathon, 21K Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and the 3K Fun Run, welcoming elite athletes, amateur runners, students, and fitness enthusiasts across age groups. Participation is expected from across India, alongside a strong international contingent representing Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA, further strengthening the event's global profile.
Race day will commence with the 42K Full Marathon at 5:00 a.m., followed by the 21K Half Marathon at 5:30 a.m., 10K at 6:00 a.m., 5K at 6:20 a.m., and the 3K Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. The Special Category races for differently abled participants will be flagged off at 8:30 a.m.
Adding to the competitive excitement, Manipal Marathon 2026 offers attractive cash prizes for the fastest finishers across categories. In the 42K Full Marathon, the top three finishers will be awarded ₹1,00,000 for first place, ₹75,000 for second place, and ₹50,000 for third place. The 21K Half Marathon will reward ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000 for first, second, and third place, respectively. Winners of the 10K run will receive ₹20,000 for first place, ₹15,000 for second place, and ₹10,000 for third place, while the 5K run will carry prizes of ₹10,000, ₹7,000, and ₹5,000 for the top three finishers, further elevating the competitive stature of the event.
A signature highlight of the Manipal Marathon remains its scenic beachside route for the 42K, offering runners a unique and memorable racing experience. Notably, the 10K route has been newly introduced to include the Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC), Manipal, reinforcing the marathon’s growing focus on social impact and community awareness.
The Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC) is a pioneering initiative integrating advanced palliative care with education and research. Envisioned as India’s only hospice attached to both a medical college and a tertiary care hospital, it serves patients with cancer and non-cancer conditions while training future palliative care professionals, making it a meaningful addition to the marathon route.
In keeping with MAHE’s commitment to equity and inclusivity, Manipal Marathon 2026 will feature dedicated categories for differently abled and visually challenged runners, along with age-wise classifications. A strong volunteer force and medical support teams will be deployed throughout the course to ensure safety, assistance, and an empowering experience for all participants.
The event will culminate in a vibrant post-run carnival at KMC Greens, featuring music, cultural performances, interactive fitness zones, and diverse food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere for runners, families, and spectators alike.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, places on record its sincere appreciation for the invaluable support and cooperation extended by the District Administration, including the offices of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Municipal Administration, and the Panchayat. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of this mega event.
Title & Partners:
ICICI Bank proudly supports the Manipal Marathon 2026 as the Title Sponsor, with UNext, Deloitte, and Bank of Baroda (Credit Card Division) joining as valued organisation partners, strengthening the event’s vision of sustainability, fitness, and community engagement.
Bib Expo Details:
Participants can collect their race bibs and race kits at the Bib Expo, scheduled on 06 and 07 February 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at KMC Greens, Manipal. The expo will also feature partner showcases and essential pre-race information to ensure a smooth and well-prepared race-day experience for all runners.
For registration, please click the link below:
