Hyderabad Marathon achieves historic World Athletics Silver Standard as registrations top 32,000

The 15th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon has become the first in India to receive the World Athletics ABW Silver Standard. Featuring a record 32,000-plus participants and a ₹45 lakh prize purse, the event highlights key inclusivity and charity initiatives

Hyderabad: The 15th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, powered by the IDFC First Bank and the Government of Telangana, to be held on August 29 and 30 this year will be with a big difference.

For, the Hyderabad Marathon, which is India’s second largest marathon, is now India’s first marathon to receive the prestigious World Athletics ABW Silver Standard.

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And, the Hyderabad Marathon has attracted a record participants of more than 32,000 featuring across Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and the 5K categories.

“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,” Rajesh Vetcha, Race Director, said on Wednesday.

“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,” Mr. Rajesh said..

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, said Mr. Krishna Kumar Thakur, Director (Personnel), NMDC Ltd.

“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,” he said.

Mr. Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing Officer, IDFC FIRST Bank, said that the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon would 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,” he said.

The guests unveiled the Marathon’s medal designed by Neil Foley Designs and also the T-shirt.

Two-time world women’s boxing champion 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.”

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.

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.