Hyderabad Turns Into a City of Runners for 15th NMDC Hyderabad Marathon

By Arizona Asians Staff

Hyderabad, India — Hyderabad became a city of runners on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as the 15th edition of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon brought thousands of athletes, fitness enthusiasts and community participants onto the city’s streets.

Organized by Hyderabad Runners Society, the marathon has grown into one of India’s major running events and is held annually on the final Sunday of August. The 2026 edition included the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Inclusive Run categories.

A Challenging Route Through the City

The full marathon began at People’s Plaza on Necklace Road and took runners through several well-known parts of Hyderabad, including Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, the IT corridor and the University of Hyderabad, before finishing at G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli.

The route is known as one of India’s more demanding city marathons because of its rolling elevation and long stretches through busy urban areas. For many runners, finishing the Hyderabad Marathon is considered both a physical achievement and a celebration of discipline.

Elite Athletes and Community Runners Participate

According to World Athletics results, Ethiopia’s Seboka Negusse won the men’s marathon in 2:20:57, while Ethiopia’s Emane Seifu won the women’s marathon in 2:46:29. Indian runners also delivered strong performances, with Gopi Thonakal finishing fourth in the men’s marathon and Nirmaben Thakor finishing sixth in the women’s marathon. Beyond elite competition, the event drew a broad mix of amateur runners, first-time participants, running clubs, volunteers and supporters, turning the marathon into a community-wide celebration of health and endurance.

Inclusive and Community-Focused Event

The Hyderabad Marathon is also known for promoting fitness, community unity and accessible participation. The 2026 edition included an Inclusive Run, encouraging participation from differently abled runners and reinforcing the message that fitness belongs to everyone.

The event also highlighted participation from young tribal runners from Bastar, reflecting the marathon’s expanding social and community reach.

A Growing Running Culture in India

The success of the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon reflects India’s growing interest in long-distance running, health awareness and organized fitness events.

For Hyderabad, the marathon is more than a race. It brings together neighborhoods, volunteers, civic authorities, sponsors and families in support of a shared goal: building a healthier and more active community.

As the 15th edition concluded, the event once again showed why Hyderabad has become one of India’s important destinations for distance running.