Over 8,000 join 5K curtain raiser of NMDC Hyderabad Marathon
The 5K Curtain Raiser of the 14th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon was held at Hitex with 8,000 runners. Organisers announced a record 28,000 registrations, including elite athletes. Inspiring stories and NGO participation highlighted the event ahead of the main race on August 24
Hyderabad: The “5K Curtain Raiser” of the 14th Edition of NMDC Hyderabad Marathon, powered by IDFC FIRST Bank, was held at the Sports Expo, Hitex, on Saturday morning with over 8,000 enthusiastic runners participating.
The run, organised by the Hyderabad Runners Society, India’s first institutionalised running group, was flagged off by Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), NMDC, and Shreepad Shende, CMO, IDFC FIRST Bank, in the presence of Rajesh Vetcha, Race Director of the marathon, and senior leadership from IDFC FIRST Bank.
Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC, said the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon had returned bigger and better than ever.
“With 28,000-plus participants from across India and abroad, we are set to break more records in 2025. As we gear up for the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon 2025, India’s second-largest, we are running with a purpose,” he said.
“We combine expertise in mining with a passion for fitness. As the largest iron ore producer, we believe fitness is the bedrock of a strong nation. Join us, and together, let us take every step towards a sustainable, healthier India,” he added.
Vinay Kumar, who spoke before flagging off the 5K Run, said an active lifestyle not only helps people live longer but also ensures a healthier, better quality of life. “Be it walking, gardening, dancing, running, or sports, regular movement profoundly improves life,” he said.
Shreepad Shende, CMO, IDFC FIRST Bank, said: “It is truly inspiring to see so many enthusiastic participants at the 5K run today. While today is about movement and participation, I encourage everyone to keep pushing their limits. Let this 5K be a stepping stone—come back next year stronger and take on the 10K challenge. Growth happens one stride at a time.”
Race Director Rajesh Vetcha said a record 28,000 registrations were received this year. He added that they were committed to making the Hyderabad Marathon sustainable as part of ‘Athletics for a Better World.’
“We have onboarded 29 NGOs, with their representatives, children, and youth actively participating in today’s 5K run,” he said.
Human stories of inspiration
Santhosh Medipally, a double amputee and software professional with Accenture, who lost his legs in a train accident at Nellore 12 years ago, ran alongside his wife Dishitha, daughter Shiva Samikhsha, and son Eshan Patel.
“I lost my legs, but not my confidence. My goal is to become a CEO,” Santhosh said, earning admiration from all. His wife Dishitha added, “I married him knowingly, because he is unique and inspiring.”
Gangadhar, President of Babul NGO, dressed as Superman to spread a strong environmental message: “Say No to Single-Use Plastics, Save the Planet.” His creative act with a serious cause inspired runners and onlookers alike.
Children from Amma Social Welfare Society displayed thought-provoking placards: “If you are tired of running, run with heart,” and “In running and learning, progress comes one step at a time.”
Several participants raised cyber safety and financial awareness messages, urging people not to click on unknown links and to maintain a good credit history.
The Running Festival main event will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The Full Marathon will be flagged off at 4.30 a.m. from People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, the Half Marathon at 5.30 a.m. from the same venue, and the 10K Run at 7.00 a.m. from Hitex, Madhapur.
A total of 28,000 runners, including 5,000 from over 150 Indian cities and 56 elite athletes from India, Kenya, and Ethiopia, will participate in the World Athletics Label Race.
