Manipal Marathon
7th Edition - Manipal Marathon (2025)
The Manipal Marathon is an annual running event set in the scenic town of Manipal, Udupi District. Organised by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in partnership with the Udupi District Amateur Athletic Association, it has grown to become the largest student-organized marathon in India. Over its six successful editions, the marathon has attracted runners from around the globe, creating a unique blend of athletic spirit and cultural diversity.
With an impressive turnout of around 20,000 participants, the Manipal Marathon not only offers an exhilarating race experience but also hosts a grand carnival celebration post-run. Beyond the festivities, the event provides substantial prize money, drawing elite athletes and passionate runners alike. The marathon routes, certified internationally by the IAAF AIMS, take participants through the breathtaking landscapes of Manipal and along the stunning Udupi coastline.
For its 7th edition, the Manipal Marathon embraces the theme "Innovation in Motion" with the tagline "Embracing Technology for Health and Fitness." This theme reflects the event's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology in promoting health and fitness.
Date: 09th February 2025
Venue: KMC Greens, Manipal
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The Inspiring Journey of the Manipal Marathon
How It All Began: A Personal Challenge Turned Community Movement
The Manipal Marathon, now a hallmark event for fitness enthusiasts and social advocates alike, has a story rooted in personal ambition and community spirit. It all started with a simple curiosity about the world of long-distance running. Reading about marathon finishers and hearing firsthand stories of endurance sparked an interest that soon turned into a passion. What seemed like an insurmountable distance—21 km for a half marathon and 42 km for a full—became a personal challenge after hearing about a family member’s achievements. The challenge was accepted, and with the support of the Manipal Runner’s Club (MRC), what began as a daunting endeavour transformed into a fulfilling journey.
The first Manipal Marathon was organized in early 2017, driven by the enthusiasm of a budding community of runners. With just a month of preparation, participants began their training, waking up early on Sunday mornings to conquer long runs, driven by the motto, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” The initial nerves and apprehension were replaced by determination, and the inaugural marathon laid the foundation for what would become an annual tradition, each year championing a different cause.
The Manipal Marathon Editions: Running for a Cause
How It All Began: A Personal Challenge Turned Community Movement
The Manipal Marathon, now a hallmark event for fitness enthusiasts and social advocates alike, has a story rooted in personal ambition and community spirit. It all started with a simple curiosity about the world of long-distance running. Reading about marathon finishers and hearing firsthand stories of endurance sparked an interest that soon turned into a passion. What seemed like an insurmountable distance—21 km for a half marathon and 42 km for a full—became a personal challenge after hearing about a family member’s achievements. The challenge was accepted, and with the support of the Manipal Runner’s Club (MRC), what began as a daunting endeavour transformed into a fulfilling journey.
The first Manipal Marathon was organized in early 2017, driven by the enthusiasm of a budding community of runners. With just a month of preparation, participants began their training, waking up early on Sunday mornings to conquer long runs, driven by the motto, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” The initial nerves and apprehension were replaced by determination, and the inaugural marathon laid the foundation for what would become an annual tradition, each year championing a different cause.