Pics: Nithin Pereira
Media Release
Udupi, Feb 10: Over 20,000 runners participated in the 7th edition of Manipal Marathon 2025 organised by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), one of the largest student-led marathons in India. The resounding success of the 7th edition of the Manipal Marathon reiterated the MAHE’s commitment to health, fitness, innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. The theme for this year’s marathon is ‘Innovation in Motion: Embracing Technology for Health & Fitness’.
A ground-breaking addition to this year’s event was the ‘Manipal Global Virtual 5K Run’, introduced for the first time in India. This unique initiative allowed runners from all over the world to participate remotely, making the marathon more inclusive and accessible to a global audience. As many as 7000+ runners from all over the world participated virtually.
Over 100 international athletes from across countries USA, France, Germany, England, Turkey, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, Japan, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Ghana, Sudan, Abu Dhabi UAE, and Australia participated in the marathon with great enthusiasm and cheer. However significant highlight of the Manipal Marathon is its strong focus on inclusivity collaboration with Samarthanam Trust & Ganga Foundation encouraged participation from over 300 visually impaired and over 200 physically challenged individuals from across India.
MAHE extends its heartfelt gratitude to its title sponsor, ICICI Bank, SBI, UNEXT, BOBCARD and all other sponsors for their unwavering support in making Manipal Marathon 2025, a resounding success.
The event was graced by respected dignitaries including Shashi Kumar Nayak, zonal head, ICICI Bank, Karnataka flagged off the 42K; Alok Kumar Dwivedi, deputy general manager, SBI, flagged off the 21K Run; Ambrish Sinha, chief, UNEXT Learning, who flagged off another 10K Run, Ravindra Rai, managing director & CEO, BOBCARD Limited, flagged off the 5K Run. Along with Yashpal Suvarna, MLA, Udupi; Dr K Vidya Kumari, deputy commissioner & district magistrate, Udupi; Dr Ranjan Pai, president, MAHE Trust; Dr. H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE and Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice-chancellor, MAHE. The event was further distinguished by the presence of university officials and esteemed dignitaries from the district and other sponsors.
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, MAHE, said, “The Manipal Marathon is more than just a race; it is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. This year’s theme, ‘Innovation in Motion’, reflects our dedication to integrating technology into health and fitness.”
Addressing the gathering Lt Gen (Dr.) MD Venkatesh VSM, (Retd) vice chancellor, MAHE, said, “Technology is reshaping the way we approach fitness. This marathon highlights the power of digital transformation in engaging runners worldwide and promoting a healthier future.”
Fitness enthusiasts and students from across districts performed Zumba and fitness sessions to celebrate the Manipal Marathon.
The names of the winners across various categories are:
Full Marathon (42 KM)
Fastest Male
1st Prize: Sachin Poojary
2nd Prize: Nanjundappa M
3rd Prize: Cheruiyot Daniel
Fastest Female
1st Prize: Lesharge Senait Kefelegn
2nd Prize: Aasa TP
3rd Prize: Shakuntala Devi
Half Marathon (21K)
Fastest Male
1st Prize: Ankush Hakke
2nd Prize: Kiptoo Abraham
3rd Prize: Shivam Yadav
Fastest Female
1st Prize: KM Laxmi
2nd Prize: Nandini G
3rd Prize: Molleshwari
10K Marathon:
Fastest Male
1st Prize: Love Chaudhary
2nd Prize: AR Rohit
3rd Prize: Ankit Indoliya
Fastest Female
1st Prize: Smitha D R
2nd Prize: Nitu Kumari
3rd Prize: Shreya M