PHOTOS BY P.K.ANANTHKUMAR.
The 13th Edition of Wipro Bengaluru Marathon to be held on 27th September 2026
45,000+ runners to take to the streets of Bengaluru; this year, the marathon celebrates people who have overcome life’s challenges through running
Bengaluru, Wednesday, September 02, 2026: Bengaluru will once again wake up to thousands of footsteps on 27th September 2026, as the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon returns for its 13th edition. More than 45,000 runners, including participants of the Spirit of Wipro Run, are expected to come together for one of the city’s biggest celebrations of running. Organised by NEB Sports in association with the Karnataka Athletics Association, Wipro Bangalore and Shriram Properties, the event remains an important fixture on Bengaluru’s running calendar.
Starting from the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the marathon will take runners through the heart of Bengaluru, passing some of the city’s best-known landmarks including Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and MG Road. For many, it will be a race against the clock; for others, it will be a personal milestone. But this year, the marathon is putting the spotlight firmly on a different kind of achievement- the courage it takes to keep moving when life itself has presented difficult odds.
At the heart of this year’s edition are 9 runners who have faced significant challenges in their lives and found strength, confidence and a sense of possibility through running. Their journeys are as different as they are personal. Some have overcome physical disabilities, while others have dealt with circumstances that could easily have stopped them in their tracks. Instead, they chose to run.
These 9 individuals have been identified as the Brand Ambassadors of the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon 2026, representing the many reasons people run and the many different meanings that running can hold. Their stories will be an integral part of this year’s marathon, with the event celebrating not simply how far they have run, but what they have overcome to get there. (Details of the brand ambassadors shared below)
The 2026 edition will bring together runners across the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K categories, along with the Spirit of Wipro Run. The Spirit of Wipro Run, which is celebrating its 21st edition, will once again be an integral part of the Bengaluru event. Held across more than 70 cities globally, the run brings together Wipro employees, families, clients and partners around a shared purpose of creating social impact. Bengaluru will host the first run of this year’s edition as part of the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon 2026.
The Charity 10K continues to be an important part of the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, giving runners an opportunity to support for a cause. Over the past few years, the initiative has raised more than ₹45 lakh, with the funds going towards select NGOs working with underprivileged communities and supporting sports development. The continued participation of runners has helped turn a race-day commitment into meaningful support beyond the finish line.
What has made the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon special over the years is the way it brings together very different parts of the city-experienced marathoners, first-time runners, corporate teams, defence personnel, families, senior citizens and Bengaluru’s large and enthusiastic running community. This year, the event hopes to add another dimension to that community by reminding everyone that there is no single definition of a runner, or of what it means to cross a finish line.
Ranjita Ghosh, Chief Marketing Officer, Wipro Limited, said, “The Wipro Bengaluru Marathon has always stood for purpose in action. This year, the stories of the ten brand ambassadors make that spirit even more powerful. Each of them reminds us that real progress is not about promises, but about the proof we create through perseverance, courage, and action. As we also mark the 21st edition of the Spirit of Wipro Run, we are proud to bring together our employees, partners, customers, and the city of Bengaluru in a shared celebration of resilience, inclusion, and meaningful impact.”
Mr. Murali Malayappan, Chairman and Managing Director, Shriram Properties Ltd, said,
“Bengaluru has always been a city of energy, ambition and resilience, and the Bengaluru Marathon captures that spirit remarkably well. Our association with the Bengaluru Marathon goes back 13 years, to when Shriram Properties and NEB Sports came together to anchor and build this platform for the city’s running community. It has been deeply rewarding to see the marathon grow over the years into one of Bengaluru’s most celebrated sporting events, bringing together people from all walks of life. At Shriram Properties, we are proud to continue supporting this journey and initiatives that contribute to the city’s well-being and bring its communities together. This year’s focus on individuals who have overcome personal challenges through running makes the event even more meaningful, reminding us that the most important victories are often about finding the strength to keep moving forward.”
Nagaraj Adiga, Race Director, Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, said, “I have watched this marathon grow over the years, but what continues to stay with me is not the numbers, it is the people. Every runner comes with a reason. Some are chasing a personal best, some are running their first 5K, some are running for a cause and some are simply trying to prove something to themselves. This year, the ten brand ambassadors bring that last part to life in a very powerful way. Their journeys are a reminder that the biggest victories are often the ones nobody sees. We are looking forward to welcoming all the runners and giving every one of them a memorable race day.”
Rajender Kataria, Principal Secretary, Government of Karnataka, said, “Fitness and an active lifestyle are increasingly becoming an important part of how we think about the health and well-being of our citizens. Events such as the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon play an important role in making fitness more accessible and enjoyable by bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together. Bengaluru has a strong and growing running culture, and we are happy to support an event that encourages more people to get active, challenge themselves and make fitness a part of everyday life. We look forward to seeing the city come alive on race day and cheering the thousands of runners who will take to its streets.”
With runners from across India and overseas expected to participate, the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon will once again turn Bengaluru’s streets into a celebration of running. With more than 45,000 runners expected to take to the streets of Bengaluru, the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon will once again turn the city into one big running celebration. As the runners make their way through the streets and towards the finish line, the city is invited to come out, line the route, cheer them on and be part of their journey.
