Hyderabad, July 15: 15th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon Powered by IDFC FIRST Bank Set to Welcome 32,000 Runners

World Athletics Label Race reinforces Hyderabad’s position as one of India’s premier running destinations

Hyderabad, July 15, 2026: Hyderabad Runners Society, in partnership with NMDC Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank and the Government of Telangana, today announced the 15th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon Powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, scheduled to be held on August 29 and 30, 2026.

Recognised as India’s second-largest marathon and a World Athletics Label Race, this landmark edition is expected to attract over 32,000 participants across the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K categories, bringing together elite international athletes, India’s leading distance runners and thousands of fitness enthusiasts.

Over the last fifteen years, the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon has evolved into much more than a sporting event. It has become a movement that inspires healthier lifestyles, encourages community participation and promotes running as a preferred fitness activity.

The marathon continues to strengthen its global standing. In 2025, it became India’s first marathon to receive the prestigious World Athletics ABW Silver Standard, placing Hyderabad alongside a select group of internationally recognised sporting events committed to environmental responsibility. The 2026 edition has once again earned the World Athletics Label, reflecting its adherence to the highest international standards in race organisation, athlete services, course measurement, safety and event management.

This year’s edition will offer a total prize purse of ₹45 lakh, attracting some of the finest athletes from India and abroad while delivering a world-class experience for every participant.

The Inclusive Run, organised in association with the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation (ABBF), is a new initiative at the 15th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon that promotes inclusive participation in distance running. With over 300 participants with disabilities registered this year, the initiative reinforces the belief that running has no barriers and that everyone deserves an opportunity to experience the joy of sport.

NMDC Hyderabad Marathon is now officially SheRACESaccredited — recognising our commitment to safer spaces, equal opportunity, better support, and an inclusive race experience for women runners. Because every pace belongs here. Every story matters here. Every runner deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

The official Finisher’s Medal and Event T-shirt were unveiled by Shri Krishna Kumar Thakur, Director (Personnel), NMDC Ltd., and Shri Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, in the presence of dignitaries, sponsors and partners.

This year’s medal is designed by Neil Foley Designs. It is deeply rooted in sustainability. The design draws inspiration from the timeless art of basket weaving—a powerful reminder that strong communities, just like great marathons, are woven together by many hands.

Even the colors of the lanyard tell a profound story:

● Blue for our skies and waters.

● Brown for the earth beneath our feet.

● Green for our forests.

● White for hope, balance, and a cleaner tomorrow.

It’s a reminder that every step we take should leave the planet a little better than we found it.

Nikhat Zareen said, “What makes this marathon truly special is its inclusivity. It welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing together a diverse community of runners. Beyond the race, it inspires participants to believe in themselves, trust their abilities, and discover their true potential. Every step on the course is a reminder that determination and self-belief can take you farther than you imagine.”

Shri Krishna Kumar Thakur, Director (Personnel), NMDC Limited said At NMDC, we believe nation building extends beyond mining to creating healthier, more inclusive and sustainable communities. We are proud to support the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon for the fifth consecutive year and to see it evolve into a platform that inspires fitness, community participation and social impact. The marathon’s values of health, inclusivity and sustainability closely align with NMDC’s philosophy, and its achievement of the World Athletics Silver Sustainability Award is a matter of pride for all of us. We congratulate Hyderabad Runners Society and look forward to continuing this journey of promoting wellness, environmental responsibility and positive change in society.

Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank said Every city hosts a marathon, but the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon stands apart for its unique course, inspiring journey, and the significance of its landmark 15th edition. Our association with this event goes far beyond sponsorship—it is a meaningful partnership built around stories of transformation, perseverance, and resilience that unfold with every participant. Running teaches the value of discipline, consistency, and long-term commitment—the very principles that also guide a successful financial journey. We are proud to be part of an event that not only promotes fitness and well-being but also inspires individuals to achieve their goals, one step at a time.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajesh Vetcha, Race Director, NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, said: “The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon has grown into one of India’s most respected running events because of the collective support of our runners, volunteers, partners and the city of Hyderabad. As we celebrate our 15th edition, we remain committed to delivering a world-class race experience while encouraging healthier lifestyles, community participation and social responsibility. Every runner who takes the start line becomes part of a larger movement that inspires positive change.”

The marathon continues to be one of India’s largest charity fundraising platforms. This year, 40 NGO partners representing education, healthcare, women empowerment, sustainability and animal welfare are participating in the initiative.

The charity platform has already raised over ₹2.03 crore towards its ₹4 crore fundraising goal, with contributions from corporates, communities and individual donors. The campaign will remain open until September 15, 2026.

The charity initiative associated with the marathon has delivered remarkable outcomes, demonstrating the power of collective giving. Arcesium emerged as the Highest Corporate Donor, contributing ₹30 lakh, while Blood Warriors Foundation became the Highest Fundraising NGO, raising an impressive ₹67.62 lakh. Divis Foundation for Gifted Children recorded the Highest Bib Sales among NGOs with 388 charity bibs sold. Emaan Chimote was recognized as the Highest Individual Fundraiser, raising ₹1.59 lakh for SAFA Society. 

The initiative also saw the sale of 1,278 Corporate Charity Bibs and 938 Individual Charity Bibs, further strengthening the marathon’s commitment to creating meaningful social impact beyond race day

The NMDC Hyderabad Marathon continues to unite athletes, families, corporates, volunteers and communities around a common vision of making Hyderabad the Health Capital of India.

Hyderabad Runners Society acknowledged the continued support of the Government of Telangana, Hyderabad City Police, NMDC Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank, sponsors, volunteers and the running community in making the marathon one of India’s most respected sporting events.

The Event Highlights of the 15th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon Powered by IDFC FIRST Bank underscore its stature as one of India’s premier distance running events. Scheduled to be held on August 29–30, 2026, in Hyderabad, the marathon is expected to attract over 32,000 participants across four race categories—Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Recognized as a World Athletics Label Race and India’s first marathon to receive the prestigious World Athletics Silver Sustainability Award, the event combines sporting excellence with environmental responsibility. With a total prize purse of ₹45 lakh and a charity fundraising goal of ₹3 crore, the marathon continues to champion both athletic achievement and social impact. The event schedule includes the Marathon Expo at HITEX Exhibition Centre on August 28 and 29, the 5K Run and Inclusive Run on August 29, followed by the flagship races on August 30—the Full Marathon commencing at 4:30 AM from People’s Plaza, the Half Marathon at 5:30 AM from People’s Plaza, and the 10K Run at 7:00 AM from HITEX.

The marathon route will pass several iconic landmarks including Hussain Sagar, Raj Bhavan Road, KBR Park, Jubilee Hills Road No. 45, Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge, Biodiversity Junction and the University of Hyderabad before culminating at Gachibowli Stadium.

Media Contact: Solus Media, D. Ramchandram, Mobile: 9848042020

About NMDC Limited

NMDC Limited is India’s largest iron ore producer and a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. With a legacy spanning more than six decades, NMDC plays a vital role in supplying high-quality iron ore to the country’s steel industry while contributing to India’s infrastructure and economic growth.

Committed to the principles of responsible mining, environmental sustainability, and community development, NMDC integrates sustainable practices across its operations and invests significantly in healthcare, education, skill development, sports promotion, and livelihood initiatives through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

As the Title Sponsor of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon for the fifth consecutive year, NMDC continues to promote health, fitness, inclusivity, and sustainable development, reflecting its commitment to creating stronger communities and a healthier future for all.

About IDFC FIRST Bank:

1. Vision: To build a world-class Bank in India, founded with principles of Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking.
2. Scale & Scope: We are one of India’s fast-growing private sector banks, growing at ~20%. As of March 31, 2026, the Bank serves 38 million customers, with total deposits of Rs. 2,94,475 Crore and loans & advances of Rs. 2,90,278 crore. We operate through 1,147 branches and a highly rated digital platform. As a universal bank, we offer a comprehensive suite of products and services across Retail, MSME, Rural, Startups, Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Credit Cards, Wealth Management, Government Banking, Trade Finance, Treasury and Working Capital solutions.
3. Experience: We build our UI, UX, and tech stack as required for a new age digital bank. Our mobile banking is rated 4.9 on Google Play Store with 20 million downloads and 1.1 million reviews. The bank’s app is rated #2 in the world by renowned FORRESTER mobile experience rankings.
4. Pull products: In every product we launch, we create “pull” products that customers actively seek out. For example, on savings accounts, we offer monthly interest credit and attractive interest rates; in credit cards we offer zero joining and annual fees without minimum spend conditions, we facilitate redemption of reward points on any online site and not linked to catalogues, and so on.
5. Ethical Banking: We do right even when customers are not watching. We simplify all descriptions, calculations, and legal jargon to avoid confusing customers. We avoid dark patterns.
6. Digital Banking:  Our tech stack is built on cloud-native, API-led, microservices architecture, supported with data, analytics, AI, and fine aesthetics. It delivers high-quality service through all channels including mobile, internet banking, call centres, and branches.
7. Social Good: Our business model is naturally aligned for the larger social good. We have lent to over 3.6 million women entrepreneurs, 7.5 million consumer durable, 2.5 lakh electric 2W and 3W vehicles, 2.7 lakh WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) loans, 2 million cattle loans, and 300,000+ SMEs. Our ESG scores are high and improving.
8. Governance: We adhere to regulatory guidelines in letter and spirit and actively work with regulators to make things better. We take pride in maintaining highest levels of corporate governance.
9. Shareholders: We are building a well-diversified universal banking portfolio designed to deliver consistent ROE of 16%+ at scale.
10. Employees: IDFC FIRST Bank is designed to be a happy place to work, with enormous growth opportunities, and a culture of meritocracy. Compensation is healthy, and employees experience the pride and excitement of creating a world-class Bank in India.

About Hyderabad Runners

Founded in 2007, Hyderabad Runners is a not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting active lifestyles through running. Through initiatives such as Couch to 5K, Outdoor Kids, Train & Shine and the Hyderabad Marathon, the organisation has inspired thousands to embrace fitness while building one of India’s most vibrant running communities.

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