Pics: Nithin Pereira
Media Release
Udupi, Feb 2: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 5 am onwards at KMC Greens, Manipal.
Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon 2026 is expected to draw over 20,000 participants, including more than 100 international athletes, competing for a prize pool exceeding Rs 25 lac.
Anchored in the theme “Miles for a Greener Tomorrow” and driven by the call to “Run for a Sustainable Future,” the marathon reinforces MAHE’s commitment to environmental sustainability, inclusive fitness, and community well-being.
The event aligns with MAHE’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, including tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, solar energy utilisation, waste management, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable mobility, extending their impact beyond the campus and into the wider community.
“The Manipal Marathon has grown into a powerful platform that combines fitness, sustainability, and social responsibility, bringing together people from across the world for a shared cause,” a MAHE spokesperson said.
The marathon will feature five race categories — the 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.
Participants are expected from across India, along with a strong international contingent representing Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA, further enhancing the event’s global stature.
Race day will commence with the 42K Full Marathon at 5 am, followed by the 21K Half Marathon at 5.30 am, 10K at 6 am, 5K at 6.20 am, and the 3K Fun Run at 7.30 am. Special Category races for differently abled participants will be flagged off at 8.30 am.
Adding to the competitive appeal, Manipal Marathon 2026 offers attractive cash prizes across categories. In the 42K Full Marathon, the top three finishers will receive Rs 1,00,000, Rs 75,000, and Rs 50,000, respectively. The 21K Half Marathon carries prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 20,000, while winners of the 10K run will receive Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000. The 5K run offers prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 7,000, and Rs 5,000 for the top three finishers.
A signature highlight of the marathon remains its scenic beachside route for the 42K, offering runners a distinctive and memorable racing experience. Notably, the 10K route has been newly redesigned to include the Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC), underscoring the marathon’s growing emphasis on social impact and community awareness.
The Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC) is a pioneering initiative that integrates advanced palliative care with education and research. Envisioned as India’s only hospice attached to both a medical college and a tertiary care hospital, MHRC serves patients with cancer and non-cancer conditions while training future palliative care professionals, making its inclusion in the marathon route particularly significant.
Reaffirming 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 robust network of volunteers and medical support teams will be deployed across the course to ensure participant safety and assistance throughout the event.
The marathon will culminate in a vibrant post-run carnival at KMC Greens, featuring music, cultural performances, interactive fitness zones, and food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere for runners, families, and spectators.
MAHE has placed on record its sincere appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by the district administration, including the offices of the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, municipal administration, and the panchayat, whose coordinated efforts were instrumental in the smooth conduct of the event.
Title & partners:
ICICI Bank is the title sponsor for Manipal Marathon 2026, with UNext, Deloitte, and Bank of Baroda (credit card division) supporting the event as organisation partners, strengthening its vision of sustainability, fitness, and community engagement.
Bib Expo:
Participants can collect their race bibs and kits at the Bib Expo, scheduled on February 6 and 7, 2026, from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm at KMC Greens, Manipal. The expo will feature partner showcases and essential pre-race information.
Registrations:
For registration, visit: https://manipalmarathon.in