Mumbai 17th January, 2026: Ahead of race day on January 18, the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 set the stage for its 21st edition with An Evening to Remember—a celebration dedicated to the real heroes of the marathon, from runners and changemakers to voices championing health, inclusion, and community. Hosted by Cyrus Broacha, the evening brought together prominent personalities, including Amruta Fadnavis, Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Kiran Rao, and Vineeta Singh, along with the International Event Ambassador, Andre De Grasse as the marathon unveiled key milestones that underline its scale, impact, and growing social relevance.

Set to be the largest edition in the event’s history, the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 will see over 69,000 participants take to the streets, with a 222% increase in women’s participation since the event’s inception. Entering its 21st year, the marathon continues to stand as India’s largest mass-participation sporting event—uniting elite international athletes, first-time runners, corporate teams, NGOs, and citizens from across the country—while placing an increasing focus on healthcare, inclusivity, and community well-being.

Olympic champion Andre De Grasse has been named the International Event Ambassador for the 2026 edition, further strengthening the marathon’s global profile. Reflecting on his journey, De Grasse said, “I started out as a basketball player, and a surprise encounter at a track meet completely changed my life. That moment led me to racing against the fastest athletes in the world.”

Speaking about his work beyond competition, he added, “Through my foundation, my aim is to provide financial support so children can access education and opportunity, just like I did. I continue because I love the sport and want to help the next generation succeed.”

Women’s participation has emerged as a defining trend at the marathon, with women now making up nearly 40 percent of total runners. Vineeta Singh, CEO at SUGAR Cosmetics said the marathon represents more than a physical challenge for women. “It’s not just about the run or the finish line. It’s about showing up at the start line without self-rejecting yourself,” she said.

Recalling her experience of running while pregnant, Singh added, “My doctor told me pregnancy is not an illness. I hope we move towards trusting women’s instincts more and judging them less.”

With participation at an all-time high, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, the event’s Medical Partner, underlined the importance of medical preparedness. Healthcare leader Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, Group CEO at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital said preparation for an event of this scale begins well before race day. “With more than 69,000 runners, medical preparedness, triage teams, and preventive care are as important as the start of the journey,” she said.

She added, “When you take care of one life, you take care of someone’s family, their dreams, and their future. Health and wellness cannot be seasonal. We must focus on them throughout the year.”

Philanthropist, Social Activist, and First Lady of Maharashtra, Amruta Fadnavis, who has been associated with the marathon for over a decade, said the event reflects the essence of the city. “It represents the spirit of Mumbai, its resilience, and it’s never say die attitude,” she said.

Highlighting the broader impact of the event, she added, “The Tata Mumbai Marathon is not just about fitness. It supports NGOs, creates a strong economic cycle, and contributes meaningfully to Mumbai and Maharashtra.”

Filmmaker Kiran Rao described the marathon as a platform that truly belongs to the city. “What makes the marathon special is that it includes everyone, people with disabilities, elite athletes, first time runners, and those who simply feel for their city,” she said.

Speaking about running in support of the Paani Foundation and Agatsu Foundation, Rao added, “Both our foundations are built on collaboration and on the belief that when people come together, real change happens.”

Hosted at Trident, Nariman Point, the event’s Hospitality Partner, An Evening to Remember highlighted the people and purpose that lie at the heart of the Tata Mumbai Marathon. The evening is presented by   Title Sponsor Tata, with TCS as the Joint Title Sponsor and IDFC FIRST Bank as the Associate Sponsor. The marathon will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network and is promoted by Procam International. Together, these collectively reinforce the marathon’s position as a world-class sporting platform that brings together sport and community.

The post ‘An Evening to Remember’ Celebrates the People and Purpose Behind the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

Detailing the robust preparedness, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital will deploy a comprehensive medical support infrastructure across the mapped route to ensure the safety and well-being of runners and participants. This includes more than 15 strategically-located medical aid stations with trained medical teams set up along the race route in important places, three fully-equipped medical base camps with doctors, nurses, and emergency equipment set up near the finish lines of the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Dream Run, Seniors Citizens, and dedicated medical teams to support senior participants and champions with disabilities.

To ensure last-mile efficiency in caregiving, dedicated evacuation teams equipped with stretchers and wheelchairs will be stationed at holding areas and finish lines, along with trained staff for prompt response.  The medical support will be even stronger with the addition of more than 18 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ambulances stationed at regular intervals and over 15 doctors on motorbikes, ready to provide quick assistance on the course. Strategic medical mapping has been done to find access points, exits, evacuation routes, ambulance corridors, and hospitals that are close by, to ensure rapid triage, efficient escalation, seamless transfers of care, and real-time clinical operational coordination through the command centre.

Additionally, the hospital has also put in place proactive health programs like CPR and BLS training for staff and volunteers, a digital medical advisory that participants get before race day, and direct access to the Control Room for pacers and volunteers to help with quick reporting and response. Over 100 trained spotters will be strategically positioned along the route to continuously monitor runners and identify early signs of distress, enabling timely medical intervention.

Speaking on the association, Dr. Tarang Gianchandani, CEO, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Group CEO, Reliance Foundation Health Initiatives, said, “Mumbai is a city defined by movement, resilience, and an unstoppable spirit, and the Mumbai Marathon is a powerful reflection of that energy. We are proud to place our expertise at the heart of ensring a safe, secure, and well-prepared environment for every participant. With our best attempts, it is our commitment to safeguarding health at scale, strengthening emergency and preventive care systems, and contributing meaningfully to the city’s collective well-being. We, at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, are unequivocally guided by a philosophy rooted in deep Respect for Life. Preparedness, proactiveness, and high-quality care backed by world class technology form the foundation of how we serve people, especially in moments where health, endurance, and safety converge. The association reflects our continued engagement with the community, our focus on safety in sport, and our role in supporting holistic health and long-term wellbeing.”

Speaking on the association, Anil Singh, Managing Director, Procam International, said, “Since its inception in 2004, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has consistently set benchmarks in distance running while placing runner safety and well-being at the forefront. We are pleased to welcome Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital as our Medical Partner. Their clinical expertise and preparedness further strengthen our ability to deliver a safe, world-class race-day experience for every participant.”

The Tata Mumbai Marathon is one of Asia’s premier long-distance running events, bringing together professional athletes, amateur runners, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country. Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital’s association as the Official Medical Partner reinforces the event’s strong focus on runner safety, comprehensive medical preparedness, and world-class emergency care, ensuring a safe race experience from start to finish.

The post Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital collaborates as the official Medical Partner for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

This year, a powerful wave of new fundraisers is stepping forward, rallying their networks, and championing causes that matter. Funds raised through the platform are supporting children’s access to education, empowering women, strengthening communities, improving health outcomes, caring for animals, and protecting the environment. What makes this milestone especially significant is not just the scale of funds raised, but a clear transformation in who is driving the movement.

Since 2004, India’s largest sporting platform has cumulatively raised ₹536 crore and counting through the collective efforts of NGOs, corporates, runners, and individual fundraisers. While experienced fundraisers continue to anchor the Tata Mumbai Marathon’s philanthropy efforts, 2026 marks the highest-ever participation of first-time fundraisers. More than 1,100 new fundraisers now account for nearly three-quarters of all participants, collectively mobilising over ₹5.6 crore so far and significantly expanding the circle of giving.

Institutional participation has also reached new highs. Companies are increasingly leveraging the marathon to advance their Corporate Social Responsibility commitments and encourage employee engagement at scale. Of the 194 corporate teams participating this year, 40 companies are supporting the marathon’s philanthropy efforts for the first time. In parallel, the NGO ecosystem continues to grow, with 68 new organisations joining in 2026, bringing total participation to 305 NGOs. This reflects growing confidence in the platform as a credible, efficient, and impactful avenue for fundraising and awareness-building.

This combination of scale, efficiency, and fresh participation makes the 2026 edition a defining moment for the Tata Mumbai Marathon. The campaign is not only generating significant social capital, but also building the next generation of donors, fundraisers, and socially engaged institutions, further strengthening TMM’s position as India’s most powerful and sustainable sporting platform for social impact.

Commenting on this shift, George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, said, “We are witnessing a generational shift in philanthropy. When more than 70 percent of your fundraisers, 40 new corporates, and 68 new NGOs join in a single year, it signals that giving is becoming part of mainstream civic life. The Tata Mumbai Marathon is no longer just a race; it has become a platform that is shaping how a new generation engages with philanthropy.”

Vivek Singh, JT, MD, Procam International, added, “The Philanthropy Pillar of the Tata Mumbai Marathon has evolved into an ecosystem in itself, offering corporates, NGOs, runners, and individual fundraisers a powerful platform for social good. It has strengthened our bond with civil society, and my heartiest congratulations to all the fundraisers for taking a conscious step towards initiating purposeful change. Kudos to the entire team at United Way Mumbai for leading this pillar from the front and continually guiding and strengthening the efforts of all our fundraisers. Many people may not realise this, but in the NGO world, the cost of fundraising is often as high as 50–60%. Thanks to United Way of Mumbai, we have been able to bring that down to just 3.83%, ensuring that resources reach where they are needed most. That is why today, as you heard, 309 NGOs are using the Mumbai Marathon to raise funds and awareness.”

At a press meet held on Tuesday, 13 January, a panel of first-time fundraisers and social change advocates shared their personal journeys of stepping into philanthropy through the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026. The panel featured Aryavir Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, Haseena Themali, Samir Popat Mengal, Ira Khan, and Shanta Vallury Gandhi, each representing a new voice in India’s growing culture of participatory giving.

Reflecting on her experience, Haseena Themali, runner and coach; first-time fundraiser at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, said, “Fundraising taught me that earning trust and convincing people is far harder than running any distance, but with genuine intent, nothing is impossible. This journey helped me move beyond personal milestones and use sport as a platform to serve a larger purpose for the cause and for the country.”

Ira Khan, Mental Health Advocate; Theatre Director; Founder, Agatsu Foundation, first-time fundraiser at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, shared, “Fundraising at the Tata Mumbai Marathon brought my family together around a shared belief in community-driven change, across mental health and rural development. The platform creates space for collective effort that extends far beyond race day and strengthens causes through community participation.”

For Shanta Vallury Gandhi, Board Member; Independent Consultant; Founder, Advisory Firm, first-time fundraiser at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, the experience was deeply personal. “This was my first time fundraising at TMM, and it challenged me to step out of corporate comfort zones and ask friends directly for support. The experience reinforced that fundraising requires vulnerability and humility, and that asking is often the most powerful first step.”

For Rupesh Telam, a 15-year old first-time fundraise for Aseema Charitable Trust through the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, the marathon is more than a race. In his own words, “It is a chance to step beyond Igatpuri, my village and be inspired by people who embody determination and perseverance, and carry that inspiration forward as he continues to pursue his dreams.”

Alongside this inspiring wave of first-time fundraisers, the 2026 campaign continues to be powered by an exceptional group of seasoned philanthropists known as Change Legends, whose sustained leadership anchors the platform year after year. This year’s Change Legends include Villy Doctor, who has raised over ₹1.67 crore, Ajay H. Mehta with ₹1.40 crore, and Sadashiv S. Rao with ₹1.09 crore. Additionally, Dr. Bijal Mehta, Dr. Meera Mehta, and Shyam Jasani have each crossed the ₹1 crore mark through their longstanding commitment to social causes.

Adding a remarkable new chapter to this legacy is 16-year-old Sophie Sona Shah, Change Legend, Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026; student and founder, Chronically Me, the youngest Change Legend in the history of the Tata Mumbai Marathon. As a first-time fundraiser, her achievement powerfully reflects the changing face of philanthropy at TMM 2026, symbolising the bridge between experience and emergence that now defines the platform.

Despite their different backgrounds, a common theme emerged: none had ever raised funds before. Each speaker noted how the marathon provided the platform, structure, and motivation to mobilize their networks around causes they deeply care about. Several panellists spoke about their initial hesitation in requesting donations and how that quickly turned into confidence as their networks responded with unexpected generosity. They described fundraising not as asking for money, but as inviting others to be part of something meaningful.

The post A New Wave of Fundraisers Drives Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 Past ₹53 Crore appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

As many as eight men and six women who will take the starting line-up on Sunday, January 18, hold personal bests that are superior to the current event records for Mumbai.  Ethiopians Hayle Lemi Berhanu (2:07:32) and Anchialem Haymanot (2:24:15) have held the event records since 2023.

The Tata Mumbai Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race.   The first three finishers in both men’s and women’s categories will receive US$ 50000, $25000 and $15000 from the prize pot of US$ 390,238. In addition, a reward of US$ 15,000 is awaiting those who break the existing event records in their respective categories.

The men’s line-up for 2026 includes Merhawi Kesete from Eritrea, a runner-up here behind his countryman Berhane Tesfay last year.  Kesete is the top favourite this time for the title.  However, it will not be an easy task, as the field also includes some of the finest marathon runners of our time. Uganda’s 2023 World Champion, Victor Kiplangat, South African Stephen Mokoka, and Ethiopians Bazezew Asmare & Tadu Abate Deme are other hot contenders for the top spot.  Another Ethiopian, Tesfaye Demeke, who was lucky to make it to the podium with a third-place finish last year, will also be returning to get better ratings this year.

Asmare holds the fastest time of 2:04:57, recorded four years ago when he finished third in the Amsterdam Marathon, which is a shade ahead of Cherop’s 2:05:00 winning time in the Toronto Marathon in 2019.  Kiplangat (2:05:09 – 2022), Deme (2:05:38 – 2023) and Debela (2:05:46 – 2019) as well as another Ethio runner Kelkile Gezahegn (2:05:56 – 2018) are all logged sub-2:06 against their names and make things enjoyable for the top prize among the men.   Though Kesete’s best till date remains 2:06:36 (2021), a tactical approach can yield better results in a marathon.

Medina Armino aims for a better place among women:

When Media Deme Armino finished third last year, there was a host of other top-rated runners from Kenya and Bahrain to challenge her all the way.  However, this year’s line-up mostly appeared with her country-mates and that will be a remarkable relief for Medina to dream big in Mumbai.

The 2026 women’s field includes three runners near 2:21. Zinah Senbeta clocked a world-class 2:21:05 while winning at Lyubliyana in 2023.  Incidentally, her marathon debut started in Mumbai four years earlier, where she finished seventh.

In 2021, Yeshi Chekole posted 2:21:17 to finish third in the Zurich Marathon de Sevilla in Spain.  She had another third-place finish (2:23:26) in the Korean city of Incheon, less than three months ago and is in great form at present.

But the fastest among the women’s entries is listed against Shure Demise, who clocked an impressive 2:20:59 in Dubai way back in 2015, which remains a World Best for a Junior (under-20) athlete over this distance so far.

“The calibre of the field at the Tata Mumbai Marathon this year speaks for itself, when eight men and six women on the start line arrive with personal bests faster than our existing event records, it underlines the global standing the race now enjoys,” said Vivek Singh, Joint Managing Director, Procam International.

International Elite Athlete for the TMM 2026-

MEN-

PACERS:

1. Adam Nathan Lipschitz                       RSA                 02:08:50         ELITE Label
2. Reuben Kiptoo Rono                            KEN                 01:02:05         ELITE Label
3. Benard Cheptoch                                  UGA                02:14:06          ELITE Label
4. Alex Kipkorir Kibarus                           KEN                 02:15:14
5. Levi Chelangat                                      UGA                 DEBUT            ELITE Label
6. Yibeltal Gashahun Tilahun                  ETH                 DEBUT            ELITE Label

WOMEN:

The post Tata Mumbai Marathon: Fast and Fabulous field promises exciting record runs in 2026 appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.